Cover FA.indd 1 5/4/09 4:37:16 PM CONTENTS

2 Highlights

4 Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development’s Letter to Prime Minister

6 Prime Minister’s Letter to Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development

8 Chapter 1: Executive Summary – Singapore City: A Lively, Liveable and Well-Loved Home

20 Chapter 2: Sustainable Development – “The Singapore Way”

30 Chapter 3: Our Vision and Goals For The Future

38 Chapter 4: LIVE – A Sustainable Way of Life

54 Chapter 5: COMMUTE – Cleaner, Greener and More Convenient Travel

64 Chapter 6: PLAY – A City of Gardens and Water

76 Chapter 7: WORK – Resource-Effi cient Industries for Sustainable Growth

90 Chapter 8: Capability Development – A Living Lab for Innovations

102 Chapter 9: Community – Acting Together for a Sustainable Singapore

114 Conclusion – Building Our Future Together

117 Appendix 1: Public Sector Puts Environmental Sustainability Into Practice

121 Appendix 2: IMCSD Public Consultation

127 Acknowledgements

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PO IFC-1 Contents.indd 2 5/4/09 10:28:05 AM The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development (IMCSD) was set up in January 2008 to formulate a national strategy for Singapore’s sustainable development. The IMCSD is co-chaired by the Minister for National Development Mr Mah Bow Tan, and the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Yaacob Ibrahim. The members are: the Minister for Finance Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Minister for Transport Mr Raymond Lim, and the Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry Mr S Iswaran.

This report documents the findings and recommendations of the IMCSD after extensive consultations with business and community leaders and members of the public.

Published by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and Ministry of National Development. © 2009 Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and Ministry of National Development. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.

ISBN 978-981-08-3012-0 (Print) ISBN 978-981-08-3013-7 (Digital/Online)

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PO IFC-1 Contents.indd 3 5/4/09 10:28:07 AM HIGHLIGHTS BOOSTING OUR RESOURCE EFFICIENCY We will improve the way we use key resources OUR VISION IS such as energy and water, even as we seek to TO MAKE SINGAPORE expand our use of renewable resources, so A LIVEABLE AND LIVELY that we can achieve growth with fewer CITY STATE, ONE THAT resources and make Singapore more SINGAPOREANS LOVE competitive in the long run. AND ARE PROUD We aim to achieve a 35% improvement in TO CALL HOME. energy effi ciency from 2005 levels by 2030. We will make optimum use of land. We aim to attain a recycling rate of 70% by 2030. We will ensure adequate supplies of water for future generations, and we aim to reduce domestic water consumption to 140L per person per day by 2030.

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P2-3 Highlights.indd 2 5/4/09 5:08:58 PM ENHANCING OUR BUILDING CAPABILITIES URBAN ENVIRONMENT We will invest in building new capabilities Our aim is to become a top city in Asia and testing new technologies to help us in terms of quality of life. Singapore will overcome our resource limitations, improve develop as a sustainable, high-density environmental performance and spur city that is clean and green, with excellent economic growth. As we build up our connectivity and a sense of space. knowledge in how to grow in a more environmentally-friendly way, Singapore We aim to reduce the level of fi ne particles in can work with others to promote and the air (PM2.5) to 12μg/m3 and cap Sulphur 3 build sustainable cities around the world. Dioxide (SO2) levels at 15μg/m by 2020, and maintain the same levels up to 2030. FOSTERING COMMUNITY ACTION We aim to have 0.8ha of green space for We will encourage community ownership and every 1,000 persons and increase greenery participation in building a clean, green and in high-rise buildings to 50ha by 2030. resource-effi cient Singapore. Our goal is to We aim to open up 900ha of reservoirs make environmental responsibility part of our and 100km of waterways for recreational people and business culture, in the way we activities by 2030. live, work, play and commute. We aim to improve accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists and have 70% of all journeys made via public transport.

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P2-3 Highlights.indd Sec1:3 5/4/09 5:09:10 PM 8 April 2009

Prime Minister

REPORT OF THE INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. In January 2008, you set up the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development (IMCSD) to develop a national framework and key strategies for Singapore’s sustainable development. 2. Sustainable development for Singapore is about achieving development while minimising its impact on resources and our environmental quality, such that development today does not come at the expense of the quality of the living environment for current and future generations. Looking ahead, we are aware that population and economic growth could strain our domestic resources and impact our environmental quality if we are not vigilant. We also need to be able to respond to growing global resource scarcity and do more as a responsible global citizen to combat the challenges posed by climate change. 3. The IMCSD therefore identifi es the following four strategies to ensure Singapore’s continued sustainable development. First, to improve resource effi ciency in energy, water and waste management so that we will be more cost competitive and effi cient in the long run. Second, to enhance our physical environment through controlling pollution, increasing our greenery as well as cleaning and beautifying our water bodies. Third, to engage the community and encourage them to play their part by adopting more responsible practices, habits and lifestyles. Fourth, to build up our technologies and capabilities in order to realise our sustainable development targets, spur economic growth and export our expertise. 4. The IMCSD has now completed its work and submits its fi ndings and recommendations in this Blueprint. We are confi dent that the recommendations will help Singapore achieve a higher level of environmental sustainability over time. This will provide our current and future generations with a cleaner and greener environment to live in, and yield concrete benefi ts to businesses and households in terms of cost savings from resource effi ciency. 5. This Blueprint refl ects our common aspiration for an economically vibrant yet liveable Singapore. It sets clear goals to measure our performance in sustainable development, and outlines a set of actionable strategies and plans to make our development more environmentally sustainable in the next decade. The collective and sustained efforts of the people, public and private sectors to

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P4-7 Letter.indd 4 5/4/09 10:58:59 AM change the way we live, work, play and commute will be key to achieving the goals. Hence this Blueprint marks the beginning of a closer 3P (People sector, Private sector and Public sector) partnership for sustainable development. 6. We wish to record our gratitude to all those who have contributed time and effort to make this Blueprint possible. This includes the many members of the public and leaders from non-governmental organisations, businesses, grassroots organisations, academia, media as well as CDC Mayors whom we have met. In total, we met more than 700 people in various focus group discussions and received over 1,300 suggestions from the public. We have also been ably supported by offi cials in various Ministries and Statutory Boards. 7. We also thank you for entrusting us with this task of ensuring that we and future generations have a lively and liveable Singapore to live, work and play in.

Mr Mah Bow Tan (Co- ChairmaChairman)n) Dr YaacobYaacob IbrahimIbrahim (C(Coo-Ch Chairman)airman)

Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnamanmu Mr Raymond Lim

Mr S Iswaran

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P4-7 Letter.indd 5 5/4/09 10:58:59 AM 9 April 2009

Mr Mah Bow Tan Minister for National Development Co-Chairman, Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Co-Chairman, Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development

REPORT OF THE INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. Thank you for your letter of 8 April 2009, submitting the report of the Inter- Ministerial Committee on sustainable development. 2. Sustainable development means achieving the twin goals of growing the economy and protecting the environment, in a balanced way. Singapore has practised sustainable development even before the term was coined. We pursue growth in order to have the means to improve our lives. We also safeguard our living and natural environment, because we do not want our material well-being to come at the expense of our public health or overall quality of life. 3. Singapore is a small island with fi nite space, limited water supplies and no natural resources. Yet, we have overcome our constraints, grown and developed into a modern city. Through imaginative city design, careful planning and judicious land use, we have housed close to fi ve million people in a clean and green city, with one of the best urban environments in the world. 4. We must build on this to do even better, and preserve our high quality of life for our children. 5. This is a challenging goal. As our economy and population continue growing, our city will become denser. As Asian economies take off, they will consume and demand more energy and raw materials, and push up their prices worldwide. From a global perspective, Singapore’s needs are very small. But we still need to secure our access to resources and do our best to conserve energy and water. This is especially so as Singapore has few alternatives to fossil fuels. Climate change is a serious long-term problem for mankind. As a responsible member

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P4-7 Letter.indd 6 5/4/09 10:59:00 AM of the international community, we must do our part in global efforts to address climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions. 6. Sustainable development demands long term attention and effort. Some measures will incur disproportionate costs and impair our competitiveness. We have to adopt a pragmatic approach, fi nd the most cost-effective solutions and pace the implementation appropriately so that we do not hurt our economy. We should also invest in capability building and R&D, to take advantage of new technologies that facilitate sustainable development. Your Committee has developed a blueprint to guide our efforts. It will not be the last word on these issues, but it will take us a signifi cant step forward. 7. This issue concerns not just one or two ministries, but the whole country. Hence we will tackle it using a whole-of-government approach. The people and private sectors also have to work with the public service on this important venture. 8. I thank all your Committee members, as well as the many organisations and individuals who contributed to the report. I am encouraged that so many came forward with their ideas and suggestions. It shows that Singaporeans take an active interest in making Singapore a better place to live in. As we continue to remake our nation to become more vibrant and liveable, what matters is not just new hardware and infrastructure of our city, but also the character and spirit of our people. All Singaporeans should play a part in this transformation, and build a Singapore that we can proudly call our home.

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 8 5/4/09 11:23:13 AM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – 01 SINGAPORE: A LIVELY, LIVEABLE, AND WELL-LOVED HOME

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 9 5/4/09 11:23:39 AM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY – 01 SINGAPORE: A LIVELY, LIVEABLE, AND WELL-LOVED HOME

From the start, Singapore saw itself as a Garden City. Having independence thrust upon us unexpectedly, we had fi rst to develop our economy and provide jobs for the people. Yet, we also knew that we could not focus only on economic growth. Even though the term “sustainable development” was not widely used then, we knew that we had to make the most of our scarce resources and attain a good quality living environment in this compact city state.

Therefore, we planned our land use wisely. We set up strict pollution controls to keep the air and waters clean, even as we urgently wooed new industries. We carried out a massive exercise to green our city and clean up our rivers. The result is today’s Singapore: business-focused and investor-friendly, yet clean and green.

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 10 5/4/09 5:02:06 PM But Singapore cannot stand still. We are in a have to be plugged into the global system continual race to attract investments and talents of trade and communications. Challenges against stiff global competition. A thriving facing the world, from the present fi nancial economy, able to provide ample good jobs for crisis to the looming threat of climate change, its people, is our starting point. But we have to have a greater impact on a small island such continue to minimise the impact of growth on as ours. Singapore will have to join hands the environment and to use resources effi ciently. with others – countries, cities, communities We want to build Singapore into one of the – to address these global challenges. most liveable cities in Asia – clean, green, safe We will face even bigger challenges in the and effi cient, for Singaporeans now and in future. These are: the future.

Our vision is to make Singapore a liveable and Managing the Demands lively city state, one that Singaporeans love and of a Growing City are proud to call home. The growth of our city will put more pressure This is our blueprint to realise this vision. It on our limited land, water and energy resources. contains the strategies and initiatives we believe Our city will also have to be more densely built as are needed for Singapore to achieve both our economy grows and our population expands. economic growth and a good living environment It will be more and more challenging to ensure over the next two decades. The government that economic growth does not come at a high will, actively and imaginatively, draw up policies, environmental price: depriving us of the clean regulations and incentives to promote this. air, water and land we have worked for over However, for us to succeed, our business leaders, the years. our community leaders and our people, have to share a common vision, and work together to Adapting to Growing bring about changes needed in our households, Resource Constraints our communities, our businesses and our country. Ultimately, Singapore will be our best As cities across the world grow, the global home if each one of us has contributed to its demand for and cost of energy, food, and development, and together shaped a sustainable construction materials will also rise. As a city that refl ects our shared aspirations and our resource scarce country, Singapore needs to use values as a society. non-renewable resources like oil and gas more effi ciently if we want to remain competitive and keep up economic growth. Even with renewable THE CHALLENGES AHEAD resources, such as water, we need to use them wisely and ensure that there will be suffi cient Singapore imports most of the food and supply for future generations. For Singapore, water we consume, as well as the resources sustainable development means learning to and materials needed for our industries. We achieve more with less.

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 11 5/4/09 11:23:51 AM Mitigating Climate Change have helped to secure our future, by making our economy leaner and more competitive when Today, few doubt that global warming is a the global economy recovers. reality and human actions are contributing to it. It is clear that the way the world produces We will keep to our “Singapore Way” of and uses resources is straining the planet’s pursuing long-term economic growth and environment, leading to rising temperatures environmental sustainability, by upholding the and sea levels, and falling ice and snow cover. following principles: To secure our collective long-term future, we need decisive action from all countries, • Long-Term, Integrated Planning: We will including Singapore. align our policies – from energy to transport to industry and urban planning – and take a long-term and complete view of our needs THE SINGAPORE WAY and circumstances. Indeed, this ability to plan and act in unison towards the overall For Singapore, sustainable development means goal of sustainable growth is one of our achieving both a more dynamic economy key strengths. and a better quality living environment, for Singaporeans now and in the future. • Pragmatic and Cost-Effective Manner: We have to secure our twin goals of We need the economy to grow. This creates promoting economic growth and a good jobs, raises our standard of living, and yields environment in the most cost-effective way. the resources that we need to safeguard our We must constantly ask ourselves “what environment. But we must grow in a sustainable works”, and we will not shy away from long- way, or else a high GDP per capita will be term measures that are necessary, even achieved at the expense of our overall quality of if they entail short-term costs. But we will life, and cannot be maintained over the longer pace the implementation of these term. Protecting our environment safeguards measures and provide help to temper and a high standard of public health for our people, soften the short-term costs to businesses and makes our city attractive to Singaporeans and individuals. and foreigners alike.

• Flexibility: The challenges to maintain We have to achieve these twin economic and economic growth and a good environment environmental objectives in a balanced way. will span many decades. We therefore have The world now faces a major economic crisis. to remain nimble, and adjust fl exibly to But this should not cause us to lose sight of the changes in technology and in the global long-term need to pursue these twin objectives. environment. We will invest in building Indeed, the crisis presents us with both the our capabilities today to give us more challenge and the opportunity to boost our options to better respond to the challenges resource effi ciency. If we succeed, we would of tomorrow.

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 12 5/4/09 11:23:51 AM Energy effi ciency is a key priority

DELIVERING: OUR will substantially improve our effi ciency in using STRATEGIES AND INITIATIVES energy, water, and land.

Singapore does not have viable sources of Implementing these principles and delivering renewable energy (such as wind, geothermal or on our vision for Singapore as a city which hydropower). We will therefore have to focus on is liveable, lively and well-loved by its citizens raising effi ciency, aiming for a 35% improvement and visitors alike, calls for much effort, in energy effi ciency from 2005 levels by 2030. imagination, and commitment. We will make optimum use of land, and seek to We have a four-pronged strategy: boosting reach a recycling rate of 70 per cent by 2030. our resource effi ciency, enhancing our urban environment, building our capabilities, and We will also ensure adequate supplies of water fostering community action. for future generations, and we aim to reduce domestic water consumption to 140L per person per day by 2030. 1. Boosting Our Resource Effi ciency Specifi c measures to deliver on these goals As Singapore has to import most of its resource include: needs, we have to ensure that we are making the most of what we use, always aiming to do • Pricing energy appropriately: We will more with less. Over the next two decades, we continue to price energy according to sound

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 13 5/4/09 11:23:51 AM market principles, to make sure there is no strategic districts, a higher rating of Green waste and over-use. In addition, we will Mark GoldPlus/Platinum will be a condition for look at setting energy prices to refl ect the the land sales. We will also seek to improve environmental impact of energy-production the energy effi ciency of public housing and to further encourage conservation. estates by 30% for mature HDB estates and 20% for new estates by introducing energy- • Providing information for better decisions: saving devices. We will make more information on energy use, costs and benchmarks available to fi rms • Promoting public transport: We aim to have and consumers so that they can manage their a 70:30 ratio between public and private usage and reduce waste. This can include transport journeys made during morning mandating energy labelling and minimum peak hours by 2020. The Land Transport performance standards for key electrical Authority (LTA)’s Masterplan spells out the appliances, and setting energy performance ways to do this. We will also refi ne private benchmarks for industrial processes. vehicle ownership and usage policies, and introduce new technologies for • Boosting energy-effi cient industry designs, public transport. processes and technologies: We will provide fi nancial incentives and set new standards • Expanding our water supply: We will expand to promote more investment in energy- our water catchment areas from half to two- effi cient technologies, designs and industrial thirds of Singapore’s land area, develop new processes. We will encourage industries to fringe catchments, tap on more used water, adopt good energy management systems to and strive to raise recycling yields. We will enhance their effi ciency. In the longer term, build a trans-island pipeline network to link we will study whether to set minimum energy up our NEWater plants with demand areas. performance standards for various types of • Improving our water effi ciency: We aim to industrial equipment and processes. reduce domestic water consumption to 140L • Building capabilities in renewable energy: per person per day by 2030, down from 156L In tropical Singapore, solar energy is now the in 2008, through promoting water-saving most promising renewable energy source. habits and appliances. We will promote We will invest early in solar technology test- water-effi cient buildings and the use of bedding projects to prepare to use solar water-effi cient devices and process designs technology on a larger scale when the cost within industries. This includes promoting of solar energy falls closer to that of water monitoring and management systems conventional energy. in commercial and industrial premises. We will also mandate water-effi ciency • Promoting resource-effi cient buildings: labelling for water fi ttings. Where feasible, We aim to have 80% of our existing buildings industries will be encouraged to implement achieve at least a Green Mark Certifi cation water recycling and replace potable water rating by 2030. For new buildings within with NEWater or seawater.

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 14 5/4/09 11:24:00 AM Integrating greenery and waterways into the new Jurong Lake District The Henderson Wave bridge is part of the Southern Ridges treetop walk

• Minimising waste upstream: We will • Enhancing land use planning: The Urban engage industry to fi nd ways to reduce Redevelopment Authority (URA) will further packaging materials through the voluntary refi ne its urban land use planning framework Singapore Packaging Agreement. We will and develop Marina Bay and Jurong Lake provide co-funding to help companies District into a new generation of sustainable high-density districts. redesign processes to reduce waste in their production. 2. Enhancing Our Urban Environment • Facilitating household recycling: We will increase recycling facilities in housing areas. Our hard-earned clean and green environment We will pilot the use of separate chutes for has improved the quality of life for our people, and recyclables in more housing estates. has made Singapore more attractive to investors and visitors. We will make further efforts to enhance • Targeting major sources of waste: We will public cleanliness, improve air quality, integrate promote the recycling of large sources of greenery and waterways into the cityscape, waste that now have low recycling rates, conserve our natural biodiversity, and preserve a such as plastic and food waste. In the sense of space and comfort in a high-density city. longer term, we will study the feasibility of We aim to reduce Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 mandating the recycling of such waste. 3 levels to 12μg/m and cap Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) levels at 15μg/m3 by 2020, and maintain the • Expanding our land resource: Apart from same levels up to 2030. reclaiming more land and building more intensively, Singapore will also develop We aim to have 0.8ha of green space for an underground land use master plan that every 1,000 persons and increase greenery in identifi es potential uses for this space. high-rise buildings to 50ha by 2030.

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 15 5/4/09 11:24:00 AM We aim to open up 900ha of reservoirs and 100km • Pricing pollution: In the longer term, the of waterways for recreational activities by 2030. government will consider using fi nancial measures to better refl ect the social cost of We aim to improve walkways and cycling pollution from vehicles in order to discourage infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and excessive use of vehicles and encourage have 70% of morning peak hour journeys made more people to use cleaner vehicles. via public transport. • Improving water quality in our waterways We will do this by: and reservoirs: PUB, the national water agency, will take steps to ensure that our • Reviewing air emission standards. We streams, canals and reservoirs remain clean. will regularly review emission standards for We will protect our water sources from industry and transport to keep our air quality pollution caused by leaking sewers, soil and good. We will benchmark ourselves against silt erosion, as well as the discharge of used top cities in Asia, but also ensure our standards water into drains. We will do this by repairing do not impose prohibitive costs on industry. and upgrading old sewers, and working with construction contractors to promote better • Adopting new technologies: As industry and site management and housekeeping. transport are major sources of air pollutants, LTA will test if new technologies such as diesel • Making our city cleaner: We will enhance hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and diesel public education and step up enforcement particle fi lters are feasible and cost-effective. against littering. We will also clean public The government will promote the use of areas more often and better. Efforts to curb more effi cient pollution control equipment littering will also keep our waterways clean. for industries, and the use of more effi cient • Improving transport links: We will continue sulphur recovery systems for refi neries. to improve our public transport system to make it a viable alternative to the car. LTA will make it easier for people to walk or cycle to key transport hubs, such as MRT stations and bus interchanges, or to get around towns.

• Enhancing our greenery: As Singapore becomes more built up, we will do more to enhance the sense of space, greenery and comfort for our people. We will have new parks, park connectors and new leisure options. The government will work with various agencies to research cost-effective ways of introducing more greenery in high- rise areas, and give incentives to the private Seamless connectivity between bus and rail sector to do so.

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 16 5/4/09 11:24:10 AM Solar pilot project in our public housing estates

• Opening up our blue spaces: The PUB serve as a living laboratory for companies and will expand its Active, Beautiful and Clean research organisations to research, develop Waters programme, to transform Singapore’s and test their ideas on environmental reservoirs, canals and drains into beautiful sustainability in a high-density urban setting. lakes, rivers and streams that can support Singapore will build new environmental and more water-based activities. technological capabilities so that we can be a global centre for knowledge and ideas on • Conserving urban biodiversity: Singapore sustainable development in a high-density has already managed to keep a rich urban setting. This will lead to new businesses, biodiversity alongside a vibrant economy products and services which the world needs to in a compact and densely populated city. adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. The National Parks Board will implement a new National Biodiversity Strategy and In line with this, we will: Action Plan to document and conserve this • Invest in R&D: The government will test- biodiversity in Singapore. bed new technologies in many areas (land use planning, water technologies, vertical 3. Building Our Capabilities greenery, solar adoption and green building) together with the private sector and academia We have successfully achieved both economic – and adapt them to our local needs. We will growth and environmental sustainability over also encourage more research in our local the years. Singapore is now well placed to universities and test-bed new technologies

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 17 5/4/09 11:24:12 AM Community recycling drive organised by the South West Community Development Council

within key public projects, such as at Marina promote an environmentally responsible Bay, Punggol new town and Jalan Bahar lifestyle through their everyday decisions and CleanTech Park. actions. Schools will also have to inculcate this consciousness in our young, and communities Facilitate international sharing of • will have to care for our environment on an knowledge: We have established the Centre ongoing basis. We will facilitate this by: for Liveable Cities to promote the sharing of best practices between Singapore and • Promoting community efforts: Community other cities. Singapore will host events such groups and non-government organisations as the World Cities Summit and the Singapore are critical in engaging and educating the International Water Week to promote public on how to adopt a more eco-friendly sustainable development among cities. lifestyle. The Community Development Councils have pledged to reach out to 4. Fostering Community Action their residents through their programmes. Organisations within the people sector can However, to build a sustainable economy also form partnerships (such as between and environment, we need the support of the environmental groups and grassroots community itself. Community, business leaders, organisations or educational institutions) to and non-government organisations, should promote environmental awareness and action.

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P8-19 Chapter 01-Exec Summary.indd 18 5/4/09 11:24:15 AM • Promoting industrial effi ciency: Businesses set minimum standards and put in place laws can promote resource effi ciency as part of to promote sustainable development. It has their productivity movements, and adopt committed $1 billion to be spent over the new processes and systems to reduce the next fi ve years to achieve the goals outlined in environmental impact of their operations. this blueprint.

• Setting the pace: The public sector will act Companies will need to develop and deploy as an enabler and pace-setter. It will take cleaner technologies. Businesses should the lead to make government agencies and incorporate environmental considerations public buildings more resource effi cient. into their operations, from production to consumption and disposal. Families have A SUSTAINABLE SINGAPORE to embrace a responsible, environmentally friendly lifestyle.

This report is the result of extensive Working together, we can keep Singapore consultations with business and community economically and environmentally sustainable leaders and members of the public, to well into the future. We will overcome our develop a common vision for a sustainable natural constraints and geographical confi nes, Singapore. Realising this vision will call for all and cooperate with other countries on Singaporeans to each play his or her part. global environmental problems, particularly The government will lead by example through the growing pressures that development is its policies and actions. It will provide more putting on our planet. By doing so, we can information for consumers to make more well- build a Singapore that we, and future informed decisions, address market failures generations, will cherish and be justifi ably proud through fi nancial incentives and disincentives, to call home.

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P20-29 Chapter 02-SingaporeWay.indd 20 5/4/09 12:25:22 PM SUSTAINABLE 02 DEVELOPMENT – “THE SINGAPORE WAY”

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P20-29 Chapter 02-SingaporeWay.indd 21 5/4/09 12:25:25 PM SUSTAINABLE 02 DEVELOPMENT – “THE SINGAPORE WAY”

Singapore is a city but also a state. We have to locate our homes, offi ces, industries, public infrastructure and parks all within only 700 square kilometres of land. With one of the highest population densities in the world, we have to plan the growth of our city carefully to ensure that we can continue to grow the economy and provide a good environment for Singaporeans now and for the future.

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P20-29 Chapter 02-SingaporeWay.indd 22 5/4/09 12:25:27 PM THE SINGAPORE WAY However, technology will improve over time, and one day, these technologies could help us Singapore will continue to follow three key achieve more and at a lower cost. Therefore, we principles in our development. will continue to selectively test leading edge technologies now so that we have the expertise Long-Term, Integrated Planning to implement them on a larger scale in the future when they become cost effective. We will continue to plan our land use and infrastructure needs over the horizon of a few decades. We will also continue to consider WHAT WE HAVE environmental, economic and social objectives DONE SO FAR holistically when we plan. Forty years ago, Singapore faced overcrowding in the city, poor living conditions and a severe Pragmatic, Cost-effective Approach lack of infrastructure. Today, Singapore is home to close to 5 million people. We have enough We pursue growth and a good environment water and energy to meet our industrial, together, not one at the expense of the other. commercial and residential needs. There is an We need economic growth to provide good integrated public transport system with smooth- jobs for our people and to give us the means fl owing roads. Our residents live in a vibrant to build a liveable city. Yet we do not pursue city with clean air, lush greenery and fl owing this growth at all costs. We also put in place waterways for all to enjoy. stringent environmental regulations and a process to plan and manage land use to guide This transformation did not come about by our development. In addition, we invest in chance. It was achieved through a multi-pronged environmental infrastructure and consistently effort to guide development, and with the clean our waterways and green our city. broad support of people and businesses. We try to select the most cost-effective method to achieve these sustainable development goals. Land Use Planning But we will adopt measures that may incur costs in the short-term, if these measures help us Our holistic approach to development starts achieve our goals in the long-term. with land use planning.

The Concept Plan is Singapore’s long-term Flexibility strategic land use and transportation plan. It guides Singapore’s development over a We are not rigid in our approach, and will adapt our policies and measures over time as our timeframe of a few decades. Agencies involved circumstances change. in economic, social, environmental and infrastructural development jointly drew up Some technologies may be very costly today so this Plan and review it every ten years. we will not implement them in a big way now. This approach allows us to weigh different

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P20-29 Chapter 02-SingaporeWay.indd 23 5/4/09 12:25:30 PM development objectives and ensure that we Pollution Control have enough land to support future economic and population growth, as well as to retain Singapore has clear and rigorous environmental a high quality living environment. The fi rst regulations and city planning guidelines to Concept Plan was developed in 1971 and manage pollution from industries and minimise guided the development of key infrastructure the negative impact on the quality of life in projects such as the Singapore Changi Singapore. For instance, we locate heavy International Airport as well as the Mass industries mainly in Jurong Island and Tuas, as far Rapid Transit System (MRT). away from residential areas as possible. We also allow a proposed industrial development only The Master Plan translates the broad, long-term if it can comply with pollution control standards strategies of the Concept Plan into detailed plans. It guides Singapore’s development in and if it can safely dispose of the waste it the medium-term, over a period of 10 to 15 generates. We complement these standards years. The Urban Redevelopment Authority with strict monitoring and enforcement. (URA) reviews the Master Plan once every 5 years in consultation with the stakeholders Singapore also has a comprehensive approach in the people, public and private sectors. to controlling water pollution. First, we control pollution at source. PUB, Singapore’s national The URA follows a few principles in land use water agency, repairs and upgrades old sewers planning to ensure that Singapore can continue to prevent them from leaking and contaminating to grow despite its small size: our waters. PUB also works with contractors to make sure their construction sites do not • Develop a compact city to conserve land and discharge silt into drains, and educates optimise the provision of infrastructure. industrial and commercial operators on proper • Promote the use of public transport by housekeeping so that their factories and shops providing an extensive rail network and do not pollute our waters. In addition, it installs intensifying land use around rail stations. fl oat-booms and gratings to prevent litter from entering the main waterways. • Decentralise commercial centres to reduce the need to travel and reduce peak hour Second, PUB improves the fl ow of water in traffi c congestion caused by traffi c fl owing our reservoirs and waterways to improve water in and out of the city centre. quality and promote aquatic life. It has a system to circulate the waters in the main tributaries • Provide a quality living environment by within the Marina Catchment to reduce algae offering a wide variety of housing choices and comprehensive amenities within each and odours caused by stagnant water. PUB will new town to serve residents’ needs. also implement systems to keep the water in reservoirs well mixed and aerated. • Retain Singapore’s natural and built heritage by safeguarding Nature Reserves and Third, through public education programmes, Nature Areas and selectively conserving PUB encourages the public to play an active role buildings with outstanding architecture in caring for our waterways and reservoirs and and historical signifi cance. keeping them clean.

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P20-29 Chapter 02-SingaporeWay.indd 24 5/4/09 12:25:30 PM Singapore taps on high quality recycled water called “NEWater” to expand its water supply

Water Management Changi, NEWater will be able to meet up to 30% of Singapore’s total water needs, up from By 2011, about two-thirds of Singapore’s land the current 15%. area will be used as water catchment, to collect and store rain water. However, Singapore’s small In addition to water from local catchments, land area means that our catchment size is imported water and NEWater, Singapore has ultimately limited. Hence, we “recycle” water introduced desalination to turn seawater into to meet our needs. fresh, drinking water.

We produce NEWater by purifying treated Singapore also has high standards of sanitation used water using cutting-edge membrane and used water management. Singapore is fi ltration technologies, to make water that is 100% sewered and we have invested in a exceptionally clean and safe to drink. In fact, NEWater is greatly demanded by non-domestic Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) to meet customers, such as wafer fabrication plants, our long-term needs. The DTSS also helps in that require highly purifi ed water. By 2011, the large-scale collection of used water for with the completion of our fi fth plant at recycling into high grade NEWater.

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P20-29 Chapter 02-SingaporeWay.indd 25 5/4/09 12:25:30 PM Non-incinerable waste and ash from waste incineration are disposed offshore at the Semakau landfi ll

Waste Management and will become part of our future land-stock when completely fi lled. During its construction, Singapore has developed an integrated waste we made efforts to conserve biodiversity. As a management system that collects and disposes result, there is a rich variety of fl ora and fauna of waste effectively. on the island. Semakau Landfi ll was even lauded in New Scientist in April 2007 as the “Garbage We collect refuse daily from homes to ensure of Eden” – a showcase of an environmentally a high standard of public cleanliness and friendly system of waste management. hygiene. We incinerate all waste that can be burnt, in effi cient waste-to-energy plants which To reduce the need for incineration and landfi ll, meet stringent emission standards. This allows we have promoted recycling and the reduction of us to save on land needed for landfi ll, and also waste. Under the National Recycling Programme meet 2% to 3% of Singapore’s electricity needs. (NRP), we provide centralised recycling bins and the door-to-door collection of recyclables every We use our only landfi ll, the Semakau landfi ll, to fortnight in public housing and private landed dispose of the ash from waste incineration as well housing estates. The National Environment Agency as non-incinerable waste like construction debris. (NEA) has also launched a voluntary Singapore Semakau landfi ll is located at sea, about 8km Packaging Agreement to reduce packaging waste, from mainland Singapore. The landfi ll is expected starting with the food and beverage industry. to last 40 years at the current rate of usage, This will be gradually extended to other industries.

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P20-29 Chapter 02-SingaporeWay.indd 26 5/4/09 12:25:31 PM Energy Policy

Singapore does not subsidise energy so as not to encourage over-consumption. Instead, we restructured the electricity industry to introduce greater market competition. This has encouraged the industry to look for innovative solutions and use new technologies to generate power more efficiently. As a result of competition, electricity is increasingly produced from natural gas-fired combined cycle power plants, as these are more efficient and cost-effective than oil-fired steam plants.

The government has also launched the national energy effi ciency plan, E2 Singapore, to encourage industry, buildings, transport and households to use energy more effi ciently. The plan includes initiatives to raise public awareness Singapore was the fi rst in the world to introduce congestion of energy effi ciency, to promote energy saving charging in the city in 1975, which evolved into the current technologies and systems, and to set standards for Electronic Road Pricing system household appliances which use a lot of energy.

Transport Management motorists pay each time they drive into a congestion prone area. The ERP also allows us Singapore plans for suffi cient transport capacity to vary charges according to traffic conditions. as it develops. As we have limited land for In this way, we can reduce traffic congestion roads, we locate commercial activities closer and optimise the use of our roads by spreading to homes, and build self-contained residential traffic across the network. The Vehicle Quota communities to reduce the need to travel. We System (VQS), introduced in 1990, also helps to have also invested in a comprehensive and regulate the increase in the number of vehicles. robust public transport system. City Greening Singapore was the first in the world to charge cars for driving into the city when we introduced From our early days of nation building, we set the Area Licensing Scheme (ALS) in 1975 to out to build Singapore into a Garden City. reduce traffi c congestion in the city. The scheme was then extended to major expressways with We set aside land for parks and built park the Road Pricing Scheme (RPS). In 1998, the connectors to link our parks and nature areas. Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system replaced We have also conserved unique areas of the manual ALS and RPS. Under the ERP system, biodiversity and selected nature areas.

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P20-29 Chapter 02-SingaporeWay.indd 27 5/4/09 12:25:32 PM Noise Management despite being a small and densely-populated city-state with clusters of heavy industry. In such a densely built-up city like Singapore, some noise is inevitable since construction Sustainable Water Resources work and traffi c fl ow take place close to homes. However, we have measures to ensure that In four decades, Singapore overcame water noise levels remain acceptable to safeguard shortages despite the lack of natural water our quality of life. resources. We now have four different sources, our “Four National Taps”, to provide us with a For instance, NEA enforces noise limits to stable and sustainable water supply. These are control how much noise construction sites can water from local catchment areas, imported make. To reduce the impact of traffi c noise, water, NEWater and desalinated water. we ensure a minimum distance from buildings to major roads and MRT tracks. We also set Singapore’s achievements in integrated water limits on noise from the exhaust of individual management and NEWater have won us vehicles. Our noise limits are reviewed regularly, numerous international accolades, including taking into account feedback from the public and the renowned Stockholm Industry Water industry, as well as international best practice. Awards in 2007.

WHERE WE ARE TODAY Waste

Over the last decade, Singapore’s domestic High Quality Living Environment waste disposed per capita has been falling despite continued growth. We reached a Singapore has a vibrant, attractive, safe and recycling rate of 56% in 2008. However, we can liveable environment for our people, and we are further increase recycling, especially for waste gaining international recognition for this. Mercer streams with low recycling rates such as food and Human Resource Consulting ranked Singapore plastic wastes. 1st in Asia and 8th in the Asia Pacific region in terms of quality of life, in their 2007/2008 Quality of Living Survey. Singapore also gained Energy positive exposure in international magazine rankings of liveable cities, like Monocle Singapore’s energy intensity, or energy Magazine’s yearly ranking of liveable cities, and consumption per dollar GDP, improved by Ethisphere’s 2020 Global Sustainability Centres. 15% between 1990 and 2005. Between 2000 and 2007, electricity produced by natural gas increased from 19% to 79% of the total Clean Air 1 The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) was developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). It takes into Singapore’s air quality compares well with major account the ambient concentrations of key air pollutants and cities, with our PSI1 being in the “good’ range translates them into an overall index ranging from 0 to 500. PSI levels of 0 to 50 are considered good, and levels from 51 to 100 for 96% of the days in 2008. We achieved this are moderate. Index levels above 100 are considered unhealthy.

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P20-29 Chapter 02-SingaporeWay.indd 28 5/4/09 12:25:37 PM Between 1986 and 2007, the green cover in Singapore grew from 36% to 47% despite a 68% growth in population

electricity produced, and overall generation home to 2,900 species of plants, 360 species effi ciency rose from 37% to 44%. of birds and 250 species of hard corals. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is an accredited member of the East Asian- Transport Australasian Flyway in recognition of its role Despite being the world’s second most densely- as an internationally signifi cant stop-over populated country, our city’s transport system point for migratory shorebirds. is consistently ranked among one of the top three in the world2 , with 71% of journeys being completed under an hour. NEXT STEPS

Singaporeans can be proud of the progress Greenery / Urban Biodiversity we have made on sustainable development. We must now consider what our strategies 10% of Singapore’s land is committed as and policy responses should be for the next green space, of which about half are lap of Singapore’s development. The next gazetted nature reserves. If we add to this our chapter identifi es the challenges to sustainable extensive roadside greenery and island-wide development that will shape our response. Park Connector network, close to half of 2 International Association of Public Transport (UITP) 2006 Singapore is covered by greenery. Our city is “Mobility in cities” report.

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P20-29 Chapter 02-SingaporeWay.indd 29 5/4/09 12:25:37 PM 30

P30-37 Chapter 03-Vision & Goals.indd 30 5/4/09 12:26:41 PM OUR VISION AND 03 GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

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P30-37 Chapter 03-Vision & Goals.indd 31 5/4/09 12:26:44 PM OUR VISION AND 03 GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

Cities will be the main centres of population growth over the next 40 years. The United Nations projects that almost 70% of the world’s population will live in cities by year 20501. Therefore, to provide for future generations, cities around the world have to develop in a clean and environmentally responsible way.

1 United Nations Population Division/DESA, World Urbanization Prospects: The 2007 Revision.

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P30-37 Chapter 03-Vision & Goals.indd 32 5/4/09 12:26:45 PM Singapore can lead by example and show for energy and other natural resources globally, how a small, economically vibrant, densely and the prices of these resources will go up. populated city in the tropics can grow in an Singapore’s resource needs are very small environmentally friendly manner. By doing in the global context. But we will be affected so, we also make it more likely that our when these resources become scarcer and children can live in a good environment and more expensive because we import almost have good jobs. Sustainable development all our resource needs, including basic items protects our children’s future. such as energy, food and water.

Sustainable development can only be achieved Singapore has to be able to do more with less through long-term attention and effort. This if we want to continue to grow in the future. chapter explains why it has become more important for us to grow in an environmentally 3. Our Environment is at Risk friendly way and sets out our goals for 2030. Development around the world has strained our common environment. Climate change is OUR FUTURE CHALLENGES happening as a result of human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels in power stations, and deforestation. In the future, we can expect 1. Our City will Continue to Grow, to see global temperatures and mean sea levels but Our Resources are Limited rise signifi cantly. All cities, including Singapore, may experience more extreme temperatures, Singapore’s population grew from 4 to 4.84 million heat waves and heavy rainfall more frequently. in less than a decade, and will grow further in Therefore, every country, including Singapore, the future. A larger population will support our must act to reduce the emission of greenhouse economic growth and make our city more vibrant. gases and fight climate change.

However, our water and energy resources will not grow proportionately with population and OUR VISION economic growth. And as our land is limited, our city will have to be more densely built if we Sustainable development for Singapore means want to fit in more economic activities and developing in a way that allows us to give our more people. When we locate residential, leisure current and future generations both good jobs and industrial land uses closer together, it will and a good living environment. be even more difficult to maintain a high quality clean and green environment. Our vision for Singapore in 2030 is for it to be a lively and liveable global city that is loved by its residents. In 2030, our city will offer a unique 2. We will have to Compete for combination of economic opportunity, vibrancy Scarcer Resources Worldwide and a quality environment.

Our city will continue to grow, but so will other • A More Competitive Economy: Singapore cities. Over time, there will be greater demand will be more resource effi cient, and hence

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P30-37 Chapter 03-Vision & Goals.indd 33 5/4/09 12:26:51 PM Singapore’s biomedical hub, Biopolis, incorporates environmentally sustainable features like district cooling and building-integrated photovoltaics

more competitive and resilient, in a future and a lush green environment, and be world where resources will become scarcer. able to travel around the city easily. We By then, Singapore will also be a global will have an environmentally responsible city well known for its knowledge, expertise community living in Singapore that actively and services in helping cities achieve keeps Singapore clean and green. both economic growth and a high quality environment. • A Global Magnet for Talent: Singapore will be one of the best places to work in because • The Best Home for Singaporeans: Singapore it offers many economic opportunities as will be one of the top cities in Asia in terms well as a first class living environment. of the quality of its living environment. Singapore will become a vibrant and Our people can enjoy clean air, clean water cosmopolitan global city.

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P30-37 Chapter 03-Vision & Goals.indd 34 5/4/09 12:26:51 PM GOALS BY 2030

Sustainable development is a long term Clean, Blue and Green process. Therefore, the blueprint has a 20-year Physical Environment timeframe, and we have identifi ed key goals • Increase the green park space by 900ha to for 2030 to guide us towards a more lively and 4,200ha by 2020, and reach a park provision liveable city. To ensure that we remain on track, of 0.8ha per 1,000 population by 2030. we have also set intermediate goals for 2020. • Increase the length of our park connectors Energy – Greater effi ciency (linear parks) from 100km in 2007 to 360km and diversifi cation by 2020.

Goal: Reduce our energy intensity (per dollar • Introduce 30ha of skyrise greenery by 2020 GDP) by 20% from 2005 levels by 2020, and and 50ha of skyrise greenery by 2030. by 35% from 2005 levels by 2030. • Open 820ha of reservoirs and 90km of waterways for recreational activities by 2020 Waste – Towards zero landfi ll and have 900ha of reservoirs and 100km of Goal: Improve our recycling rate from 56% waterways open for recreational activities in 2008 to 65% in 2020 and 70% in 2030 by 2030.

Water – Towards self-suffi ciency Capability and Expertise and greater effi ciency Build Singapore into an outstanding Goal: Reduce total domestic water consumption knowledge hub in the latest technology and from 156 litres per capita per day in 2008 to services that will help cities grow in a more 147 litres per capita per day by 2020, and 140 environmentally friendly way. litres per capita per day by 2030. Environmentally Air Quality – Cleaner air Responsible Community

Goals: Build a community in Singapore where everyone adopts a more environmentally responsible • Reduce the annual mean for ambient lifestyle. Environmental responsibility will be fi ne Particulate Matter (PM2.5) from part of our people and business culture. 16μg/m3 in 2008 to 12μg/m3 by 2020 and maintain it at this level till 2030.

• Cap ambient Sulphur Dioxide (SO2 ) levels at 15μg/m3 by 2020 and maintain it at this level till 2030.

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P30-37 Chapter 03-Vision & Goals.indd 35 5/4/09 12:26:53 PM Each of us can help to build Singapore into a lively yet livable city, an ideal home for us

KEY PRIORITIES • Build Up Our Knowledge in how to grow in a more environmentally friendly way, We will focus on four key priorities to achieve using technology to overcome our resource our vision: constraints, now and in the future. As we experiment and build up our knowledge, • Improve Resource Effi ciency so that we can Singapore can also work with others to grow with fewer resources. If we can achieve promote and build sustainable cities more with less, we can reduce costs and around the world. free up precious resources to continue to grow our economy. We will emerge more • Encourage Community Ownership and competitive in the long run. Participation in building a clean, green and resource-effi cient Singapore. Business • Improve the Quality of Our Environment leaders, non-government organisations by controlling pollution and improving our and community leaders can work together physical landscape, so that we can continue to encourage people to make more to enjoy clean air and water, and live in environmentally responsible choices in the a well-connected city with high public way they live, work, play and commute. health standards.

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P30-37 Chapter 03-Vision & Goals.indd 36 5/4/09 12:26:53 PM CONCLUSION

The Government will monitor and inform the public of the progress we have made as a nation in achieving these goals. These goals will also be reviewed within fi ve years and adjusted if necessary to take into account improvements in technology, cost-effectiveness of measures, public response and international developments.

The following chapters will outline the initiatives that will change the way we live (built environment and households), commute (transport), play (natural environment) and work (industries), to achieve these goals.

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P30-37 Chapter 03-Vision & Goals.indd 37 5/4/09 12:26:54 PM 38

P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 38 5/4/09 12:46:14 PM LIVE – A SUSTAINABLE 04 WAY OF LIFE

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 39 5/4/09 12:46:21 PM LIVE – A SUSTAINABLE 04 WAY OF LIFE

Today, Singaporeans enjoy a high standard of living. We live in good quality housing and have access to modern amenities. As our population grows and our material wellbeing improves, we also consume more and generate more waste. In the past 10 years, households in Singapore consumed 64% more electricity1, 21% more water2, and generated 21% more solid waste.3

In the next 10 years, we can work together to make the way we live less wasteful – by choosing more resource-effi cient lifestyle options and making our built environment more resource effi cient. We can make new efforts in four key areas: – Promoting a more environmentally responsible lifestyle – Promoting resource-effi cient buildings – Making public housing more resource-effi cient through innovative design and new technologies – Stepping up public cleanliness efforts to make our city cleaner

1 Total household consumption of electricity increased from 3,794GWh in 1995 to 6,226GWh in 2007. 2 Total water consumption increased from 596,957m3 /day in 1995 to 723,957m3 /day in 2007. 3 Total solid waste generated increased from 4.6 million tons in 1997 to 5.6 million tons in 2007.

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 40 5/4/09 12:46:24 PM Key Recommendations

Promoting a More Sustainable Lifestyle n Reduce the daily per capita water consumption to 147L by 2020 and 140L by 2030, through the promotion of water-efficient devices and water conservation. o Introduce minimum energy performance standards for household air-conditioners and refrigerators by 2011 and set minimum water efficiency standards for water appliances in new developments and existing premises undergoing renovation from July 2009. p Achieve an overall recycling rate of 65% by 2020 and 70% by 2030 through providing more recycling facilities and introducing new measures, such as incentives, to increase recycling.

Promoting Resource-Effi cient Buildings q Establish a Green Mark GFA Incentive Scheme to encourage new buildings to attain Green Mark GoldPlus and Platinum ratings. Require new developments in key areas to achieve Green Mark GoldPlus and Platinum ratings through land sales conditions. r Target 80% of our existing building stock (by GFA) to achieve at least Green Mark Certified rating (minimum level of energy efficiency) by 2030. Establish a $100mil Green Mark Incentive Scheme for existing buildings to undergo energy efficiency retrofitting. s New public sector buildings with 5,000sqm of air-conditioned floor area to achieve Green Mark Platinum rating. Require existing government buildings with more than 10,000sqm air-conditioned floor area to attain Green Mark GoldPlus rating by 2020.

Making Public Housing More Resource Effi cient t Reduce energy consumption in the common areas of new estates and mature estates by 20% and 30% respectively. u Implement a large-scale solar test-bed for public housing spanning 30 precincts islandwide. v Develop a new generation of environmentally friendly housing districts along the Punggol Waterway.

Enhancing Public Cleanliness w Step up public education, cleaning and enforcement.

P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 41 5/4/09 12:46:26 PM PROMOTING A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE

Public Education

We have to do more to educate people on how their lifestyle will impact the environment and their costs of living, and how to lead more resource-effi cient lives. The National Environment The 10% Energy Challenge provides practical energy Agency (NEA) and the PUB, Singapore’s national saving tips to households water agency, have launched major national initiatives to encourage people to reduce their energy and water consumption at home. (WVGs) under the 10-Litre Challenge. WVGs conduct house visits to educate home-owners • The 10% Energy Challenge provides on water conservation practices and assist in households with practical energy saving tips the installation of water-saving devices. The to encourage them to reduce their energy PUB has also set up an interactive website to consumption by 10%. NEA also promotes help the public assess their individual water home energy audits and educates the public usage and learn how to achieve savings of 10 about energy-effi cient appliances through its litres per person per day. website and events. NEA will also collaborate closely with retailers and suppliers to Empower Consumers to Make improve the availability and affordability of Resource-Smart Choices energy-effi cient household appliances.

Consumers need information to make resource- • The Housing and Development Board (HDB) smart purchasing decisions. The government works with NEA and the Energy Market will therefore mandate the labelling of consumer Authority (EMA) through the Energy SAVE products to provide consumers with more programme to encourage residents in public information on the performance of such products. housing estates to adopt simple energy saving habits and replace home appliances • The government mandated energy effi ciency with more energy-effi cient models. labelling for household air-conditioners and refrigerators from January 2008. It has • We want to reduce the daily per capita extended mandatory energy labelling to domestic water consumption from 156 litres clothes dryers in April 2009. in 2008 to 147 litres by 2020 and 140 litres by 2030. PUB works with organisations, • The government will also mandate water including resident committees, and the effi ciency labelling of appliances, starting community to form Water Volunteer Groups with taps, dual-fl ush low capacity fl ushing

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 42 5/4/09 12:46:26 PM cisterns and urinals in 2009. It will consider technology advances and the availability mandatory labelling for showerheads and of more effi cient models in the market. For washing machines in the future. instance, we have required all low-capacity fl ushing cisterns in new domestic premises Set Minimum Performance Standards and those undergoing renovation to be The government will set minimum performance dual-fl ush from July 2009. standards to remove ineffi cient models from Recycling the market. The National Recycling Programme (NRP) was • The government will introduce minimum launched in April 2001. Under the programme, energy performance standards for household the Public Waste Collectors (PWCs) distribute air-conditioners and refrigerators by 2011 and extend minimum energy performance recycling bags or bins to households in HDB and standards to other household appliances landed estates and collect recyclables door-to- in future. door every fortnight. Since 2001, the household participation rate in recycling increased from • From July 2009, new developments and 15% in 2001 to 63% in 2008. existing premises undergoing renovation will have to install water appliances that The PWCs have further installed 1,600 have at least a “one-tick” water effi ciency centralised recycling bins in HDB estates. rating. The government will consider further Residents can deposit their recyclables at any tightening of standards in tandem with time of the day and need not walk more than

SAVING MORE BY USING LESS

Ms Alexandrea Nicole Manalo, is a real Mdm Ong, a resident in Jalan Kukoh, installed life example of how much it pays to save water-saving devices such as a water-effi cient the environment, literally. She proactively showerhead, constant fl ow regulators and reminded her younger siblings to switch off thimbles, and practices water saving tips such the computer and television after use. Her as re-using the rinse water from the washing family also set the timer for two of their machine and using water from the washing three air-conditioners to operate for only four of vegetables and rice to water her plants. hours a day. Just by applying these simple Through these simple measures, Mdm Ong energy saving tips under NEA’s 10% Energy reduced her monthly water consumption by Challenge, Ms Manalo’s family reduced their 8%. Other measures that can help to save energy consumption by about 30% from May water include taking shorter showers, washing to August 2008, saving about $235 during in a fi lled sink and not under a running tap, this period4. This is equivalent to more than running the washing machine on a full load, $700 in annual savings. and using a half fl ush for liquid waste.

4 From May to August 2008, average electricity tariff was 23.88 cents per kWh.

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 43 5/4/09 12:46:27 PM 150m to do so. In addition, there is a network The Building and Construction Authority of 2,200 recycling bins located in public areas, (BCA) has launched the Green Mark Scheme6 such as malls, markets, MRT stations and bus to promote resource-effi cient buildings in interchanges. Singapore. This scheme covers both new and existing buildings, and has a strong focus on In November 2008, the government mandated energy effi ciency. Studies show that buildings the provision of recycling bins in condominiums can achieve between 10% to 30% reduction in and private apartments. When this is fully energy consumption through energy-effi cient implemented by 2009, all households in building design and the use of energy-effi cient Singapore will have convenient access to equipment. recycling facilities. In the future,

• NEA will further promote recycling by New Buildings increasing the number of recycling bins and BCA established a $20 million Green Mark the collection frequency. Incentive Scheme (New Buildings)7 in 2006 to incentivise new buildings to go green. Singapore • NEA will study the feasibility of installing new is also one of the few countries in the world infrastructure, such as combined public litter to mandate green building standards. From and recycling bins, and a separate chute for April 2008, all new buildings have to meet the recyclables, taking into consideration their Green Mark Certifi ed rating. operational effectiveness and cost impact. The government will introduce the following • NEA will set up a new 3R (Reduce, Reuse and new initiatives to encourage more resource- Recycle) fund of $8 million over two years to effi cient new buildings. co-fund projects that promote the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste. • The government will establish a Green Mark GFA Incentive Scheme (New Buildings) to • NEA will study the long term feasibility of incentivise developers to attain Green Mark mandating the recycling of certain large GoldPlus and Platinum ratings. waste streams with low recycling rates, such as food waste.

5 Buildings contributed to about 16% of total energy use in 2007. This excludes households and consumers’ consumption that PROMOTING RESOURCE – amounts to about 9%. EFFICIENT BUILDINGS 6 The Green Mark Scheme is a rating system to evaluate the environmental impact and performance of buildings. Buildings can be awarded Certifi ed, Gold, GoldPlus or Platinum ratings, 5 Buildings contribute 16% of our nation’s total corresponding to an energy effi ciency improvement of about energy consumption. Energy cost can constitute 10-15%, 15-25%, 25-30% or more than 30% respectively. Other criteria include water effi ciency, site/project development and about 20% to 40% of the total operating cost management, indoor environmental quality and environmental protection, as well as innovation. for a typical building. If we make our buildings 7 Additional Gross Floor Area (GFA) could reach up to 1% of total more resource effi cient, we can save energy and GFA or 2,500sqm (whichever is lower) for Green Mark GoldPlus buildings, and up to 2% of total GFA or 5,000sqm (whichever is save on electricity bills too. lower) for Green Mark Platinum buildings.

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 44 5/4/09 12:46:27 PM benefi ts include better indoor air quality and environment, which contribute to improved employee productivity and wellness.

Energy Effi ciency Features

The OFC achieves energy savings by using an energy-effi cient air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation system (including a hybrid chilled water system), an energy- effi cient lighting system, an “ECO Switch” control programme and a regenerative drive system for the fastest elevators in Singapore. The iconic glass tower also uses triple-glazed façade glass with state-of-the-art low emissive coating to maximise light transmittance and transparency while minimising heat gain. As a result, the OFC is able to achieve an Energy Effi ciency Index8 of 174kWh /m2 / year.

Other Green Features & Use of Sustainable Technologies

OCEAN FINANCIAL CENTRE Water is saved through the collection of condensate from the air handling units (AHU), Cost-Effective and Tenant- rainwater harvesting, and the extensive use of Oriented Sustainable Design effi cient water fi ttings. This building also has extensive vertical green walls to provide a cooler In March 2008, the Ocean Financial Centre and greener environment and lush sky gardens (OFC) received the highest accolade of Green that allow occupants to enjoy nature even at Mark Platinum Award from the Building and their workplace. The roof crown of the OFC will Construction Authority. With the help of be topped off with a glass-canopied roof with their architects Pelli Clarke and Architects multi-terraced sky gardens. This building has the 61, Keppel Land developed the OFC as a largest photovoltaic (PV) system assembly for sustainable offi ce development with tenants a commercial building in the Central Business in mind. The OFC has eco-features that can District that will harness 75kWp of solar energy. reduce energy consumption by 35% (9GWh

per year), and water consumption by 37% 8 The Energy Effi ciency Index (EEI) is a measure of the (42,000 m3 per year). The energy and water energy effi ciency or intensity of a building, calculated by dividing the building’s annual electricity consumption savings enable Keppel Land to pay back by the building’s total fl oor area. Data centres and a 3% to 5% increase in construction cost carparks are excluded from the electricity and fl oor area calculations due to their specialised functions and energy within seven to nine years. Other intangible consumption profi les.

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 45 5/4/09 12:46:27 PM Features of a Green Mark building

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 46 5/4/09 12:46:27 PM XILINX ASIA PACIFIC HEADQUARTERS

Located at Changi Business Park, Xilinx’s as active features such as a double-skinned Asia Pacific Headquarters is the first privately façade to reduce thermal transfer, energy-saving developed industrial facility to be awarded lighting with a computerised brightness the Green Mark Platinum Award. A Fortune control system and the recycling of 100 “Best Companies to Work For” since condensate water for landscape irrigation. 2001, Xilinx wanted to create a sustainable The green features result in an increase of and conducive working environment for its 1.1% in construction cost, but allow Xilinx employees. The building incorporates both to reap an estimated savings of $500,000 passive design features such as internal green each year. Therefore, Xilinx can pay back the courtyards to allow natural daylighting, as well higher construction cost within 1.25 years.

• The government will require new buildings Existing Buildings in key development areas9 to achieve higher Green Mark ratings (Platinum Our existing buildings form the bulk of our and GoldPlus ratings) as part of its land building stock. We can potentially achieve sale requirements. an overall 5% to 10% improvement in energy efficiency for our existing building stock if • The public sector will take the lead by we can encourage 400 to 600 existing large requiring new public sector buildings with buildings to adopt green building features. more than 5,000sqm air-conditioned fl oor This alone means a potential annual cost area to achieve Green Mark Platinum rating. savings of some $100 million10.

• In the longer term, BCA will consider the 9 Areas include Marina Bay and the Central Business District, Jurong Gateway, Kallang Riverside and Paya Lebar Central need to further tighten the mandatory which are key new growth areas. Green Mark rating for new buildings. 10 Based on the electricity tariff rate for Jan – Mar 2009.

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 47 5/4/09 12:46:29 PM DESIGNING FOR GREEN

Punggol will herald a new generation of • Residential developments along the eco-living that Singaporeans can look forward waterway will be minimally Green Mark to in the next decade and beyond. The Certifi ed. In fact, the HDB embarked on development of Punggol Town along a 4.2km their fi rst “Eco-precinct” project Treelodge@ Punggol Waterway will incorporate a number Punggol in 2007, which comprises seven of new features. 16-storey residential blocks with a total of 712 fl ats. It is Singapore’s fi rst Green • Greenery along the promenade will mitigate an increase in ambient temperature Mark Platinum Award public housing and provide a cooler environment along project. The development incorporates the waterway. environmentally friendly features that aim to enhance the ecology of the site, • Water management strategies such as minimise energy consumption and utilise rainwater harvesting and aeration ponds, effective water and waste management at strategic areas along the promenade, processes. These features include solar will improve the quality of the water and panels to power common area lighting, provide a friendly environment for active rooftop greening to cool down the living water sports. environment, and collection of rainwater to • A cycling network throughout the waterway wash common areas. promenade will encourage a vehicle-free environment and healthy lifestyle. It will be More environmentally friendly features will be linked to adjacent residential precincts, the incorporated as the area develops, in order to Town Centre and the coastal promenade realise the vision of environmentally friendly leading to Coney Island and Punggol North. living by the water.

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 48 5/4/09 12:46:33 PM Facade greening is encouraged via the provision of planters and green balconies. The window facades are The dwelling units are designed to capitalise on natural oriented in a north-south direction and in the direction of prevailing winds to minimise heat build up from the daylight and effective cross-ventilation to lower energy western sun and facilitate ventilation. The gable-end walls are insulated to prevent heat transmission into the usage from lighting and mechanised cooling. units, especially from the afternoon sun.

The residential buildings sit on a landscaped deck above the naturally ventilated carpark and driveways to keep the Extensive greenery has also been provided to some podium level vehicle-free and green. areas of the rooftop to reduce heat gain in the estate.

Treelodge@Punggol

Rooftop Pipe Storage System Tank

Solar panels are provided at the rooftop to harness solar energy to power common area lightings. Motion sensors Rainwater is harvested at the rooftop of each residential placed at staircases and the carpark also help to reduce energy consumption. block to help lower the usage of potable water at the common areas.

Water-effi cient fi ttings, such as the dual fl ushing A centralised refuse chute for recyclable waste is provided at every residential block. Recycling is also encouraged cum integrated basin-toilet pedestal system, are through the provision of recycling bins along common areas such as the landscape deck. installed for each unit.

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 49 5/4/09 12:46:35 PM The government will introduce the following MAKING PUBLIC new initiatives to encourage 80% of the existing HOUSING MORE building stock to achieve the minimum Green RESOURCE EFFICIENT Mark Certified rating. Our public housing estates are planned, built • The government will establish a $100 million and maintained with resource considerations Green Mark Incentive Scheme (Existing in mind. Our self-contained townships minimise Buildings) to encourage the retrofitting of the need to travel and optimise the use of large existing buildings to include more land. Existing design features facilitate cross- green building features. ventilation and natural lighting to reduce • Existing government buildings with more energy consumption. than 10,000sqm air-conditioned fl oor area The HDB will seek to make public housing, will have to attain the Green Mark GoldPlus including both existing and new estates, even rating to achieve greater energy effi ciency. more resource-efficient in three ways. They will do so progressively by 2020, as part of their upgrading and replacement cycle. Build More Eco-Friendly • In the longer term, the BCA will consider Public Housing mandating the declaration of Green Mark or energy labelling for existing buildings. • HDB will develop a new generation of This will empower tenants and home buyers environmentally friendly public housing, with more information to make energy- such as in Punggol New Town and Dawson effi cient rental and property purchasing Estate. For instance, HDB has planned for choices. BCA will also study the need a waterfront residential area along the new to mandate minimum Green Mark ratings east-west corridor in Punggol with the theme or energy performance standards for of “Green Living by the Waters”. There will be existing buildings. a new 4.2km long waterway lined with some 21,000 public and private housing dwelling New Enhancements to units. These residential developments will the Green Mark Scheme incorporate environmentally friendly features and green technology. Over the next few years, BCA will work with other agencies to develop new Green Test-Bed New Technologies Mark schemes to benchmark a variety of in Public Housing other specific development types, such as infrastructure works (e.g. MRT stations), office Singapore enjoys lots of sun year round, and interiors, parks, food and beverage outlets our urban environment offers unutilised roof as well as landed homes. space for the deployment of solar panels. Many Singaporeans have suggested the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels within public

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 50 5/4/09 12:46:49 PM housing estates. However, the cost of solar- generated electricity at the moment is still about twice that of grid electricity generated from fossil fuels. Nevertheless, the technology is still evolving and the price gap may narrow over time.

• HDB will embark on an islandwide test-bed of solar technology within 30 public housing precincts nationwide. Costing $31 million, this project will help HDB to implement solar technology on a wider scale when it becomes cost effective to do so in the future. The results of this test-bed project will help HDB to better incorporate solar technology requirements into the design of new flats and familiarise Town Councils with the technical and maintenance issues for

solar installations. These large-scale solar New generation of environmentally friendly test-beds will also provide an opportunity public housing in Dawson Estate to train skilled personnel within Singapore in the installation and maintenance of energy lamps with more energy-efficient solar systems. lighting solutions.

Improve Resource Efficiency • HDB will also try to reduce energy in Public Housing Maintenance consumption of the common areas in new HDB estates by 20% by introducing energy- PUB conducts regular briefings for Town Councils efficient light fittings and lift systems. on water efficiency measures. These measures include the use of proper cleaning equipment with water-saving features, strict control on ENHANCING common area taps, and strict supervision of PUBLIC CLEANLINESS contractors’ workers to ensure prudent use of water. Going forward, Since the launch of the Keep Singapore Clean campaign in 1968, the government has • HDB is working with the Town Councils to adopted a multi-pronged approach to maintain reduce energy use of the common areas public cleanliness in Singapore. This approach of existing public housing estates by some comprises of an effective cleaning regime, 30%. For instance, they will make mature public education, and enforcement to deter housing estates more energy-efficient littering. These measures have contributed to by replacing outdoor and corridor high- our clean living environment.

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 51 5/4/09 12:46:49 PM PUTTING SUN POWER TO WORK

HDB test-bedded solar photovoltaic (PV) block for one day. Excluding the upfront costs systems at two existing public housing of the solar panels, the solar panels in each precincts at Serangoon and Wellington, as precinct can generate approximately $1,600 part of the Energy SAVE Programme. The PV worth of energy per month. panels, which were installed on the roof of the The total electricity generated by the PV system residential blocks and multi-storey carparks, and the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions can generate electricity of 220kWh per day for is displayed at the ground fl oor lift lobby each precinct – enough to meet the electricity of each block, so as to promote residents’ requirements for the common services (inclusive awareness of the renewable energy initiatives of lifts, water pump etc.) for one residential implemented at the precincts.

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 52 5/4/09 12:46:49 PM The government will continue to adopt these campaign on public cleanliness to remind approaches to sustain high standards of public the public of the importance of public cleanliness in Singapore. cleanliness. We will also make an effort to educate our youths not to litter. • We will maintain an efficient and effective cleaning regime and regularly review the • We will conduct studies to better understand cleaning frequency and intensity to ensure littering behaviour, so that our policies and that our public places remain clean. programmes can be refined.

• We will partner various community groups • We will review penalties for littering regularly to extend the outreach of the anti-littering and carry out more intensive enforcement to message. We will revive the national deter the minority of recalcitrant offenders.

CONCLUSION

In the next 10 years, we will progressively make our buildings more resource effi cient and build more eco-friendly homes for Singaporeans. Each and every one of us can also do our part by making more environmentally friendly choices in our everyday lives. By doing so, we can start to save money today and more importantly, help to build a better Singapore for tomorrow.

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P38-53 Chapter 04-LIVE.indd 53 5/4/09 12:46:52 PM COMMUTE – CLEANER, 05 GREENER AND MORE CONVENIENT TRAVEL

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P54-63 Chapter 05-Commute.indd 54 5/4/09 2:14:37 PM 55

P54-63 Chapter 05-Commute.indd 55 5/4/09 2:14:45 PM COMMUTE – CLEANER, 05 GREENER AND MORE CONVENIENT TRAVEL

Over the years, Singapore has built an extensive public transport system and put in place policies to discourage car ownership and usage because we have limited land to build roads. We were one of the fi rst cities in the world to implement vehicle ownership control and congestion pricing.

Today, travelling from place to place is relatively easy in Singapore and our city remains congestion free. But our roads already take up some 12% of our total land area. Our transport sector also accounts for about 13% of our overall energy consumption and 50% of the fi ne particles (specifi cally PM2.51) in the air. Therefore, we have to plan ahead to ensure that our transport system is able to meet two important objectives in the future: lower environmental footprint and more convenient travel. We have to achieve these goals without incurring disproportionately high costs for our people.

We will achieve a cleaner, greener and more convenient transport system by 2030 in three ways. – Enhancing public transport to meet the commuting needs of a growing population – Improving resource effi ciency by reducing fuel consumption and adopting fuel effi cient technologies – Achieving cleaner transport through cleaner diesel vehicles and cleaner forms of commuting

1 Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller - 1/30th the diameter of a human hair. These fi ne particles can aggravate heart and lung diseases.

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P54-63 Chapter 05-Commute.indd 56 5/4/09 2:14:48 PM Key Recommendations

Enhancing Public Transport n Achieve a modal share of 70% of journeys made during morning peak hours via public transport by 2020, through doubling our rail network and developing a more integrated and seamless connection between our bus and rail services.

Improving Resource Effi ciency o Manage the growth of private transport, by halving the annual vehicle population growth rate to 1.5%, refining our Electronic Road Pricing system, and improving schemes (e.g. Off-Peak Car scheme and Park and Ride scheme) to reduce car usage. p Improve the energy and fuel efficiency of both private and public transport, by implementing a mandatory Fuel Economy Labelling Scheme for passenger cars and light goods vehicles from April 2009, test-bedding new technologies such as diesel- hybrid buses, and developing a Green Framework for rail systems.

Achieving Cleaner Transport q Reduce PM2.5 level from 16μg/m3 in 2008 to 12μg/m3 by 2020 and maintain this level until 2030 with cleaner diesel vehicles. r Establish a vehicle emission test laboratory. s Encourage cycling and walking with investments in infrastructure such as covered linkways, cycling paths and parking facilities for cyclists at MRT stations.

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P54-63 Chapter 05-Commute.indd 57 5/4/09 2:14:49 PM MRT is the backbone of our public transport system Real-time bus arrival information helps commuters plan their journeys

ENHANCING Doubling Our Rail Network PUBLIC TRANSPORT • The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will We can achieve a more sustainable transport continue to upgrade our rail infrastructure system if more Singaporeans travel by public to bring direct rail access to new areas. transport. Public transport is, by far, the more It will double the current rail network from effi cient mode of transport, both in terms of land the current 142km to 278km by 2020. This and energy use. A single-deck bus transports up will be achieved with the completion of the to 80 passengers while an average passenger Circle Line and Downtown Line and the car only carries up to 5 persons. A car carrying addition of new lines and extensions, such only the driver uses 9 times the energy used as the North-South Line Extension, the Tuas Extension, the Thomson Line and by a bus and 12 times that used by a train, the Eastern Region Line. Where demand on a per passenger-kilometre travelled basis. justifies, more trains will also be added to To encourage more people to travel by public improve the capacity of existing rail lines. transport, we must make public transport more accessible and more convenient to commuters. Ensuring a More Integrated and The government has set aside more than Seamless Hub-and-Spoke System $40 billion to improve the public transport system to achieve the target of having 70% • LTA will take over the role of central bus of journeys made by public transport during planning to enhance the inter-connectivity morning peak hours by 2020. between our bus and rail services to achieve

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P54-63 Chapter 05-Commute.indd 58 5/4/09 2:14:49 PM an integrated public transport system. to about 1.2 million vehicles by 2020. This There will be more frequent and direct cannot continue because our road space grew feeder bus services so that commuters can by 1% per year over the last 15 years and is reach the transfer hubs quickly, and enjoy expected to increase by only 0.5% per year seamless and effi cient transfers to the over the next 15 years. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) or trunk buses. • Therefore, we have lowered our vehicle • LTA will also introduce more measures population growth rate to 1.5% per year to give buses priority over other traffi c from 2009 and will further review this after (e.g. through more bus lanes, right of way three years. at bus bays, signal priority at junctions) so that bus travel is faster and more reliable. • We will also have to continue to manage road usage. Congestion pricing, which • LTA will also provide real-time and multi- Singapore pioneered, has now been adopted modal public transport travel information by other cities. We will refi ne our Electronic through online and mobile platforms, Road Pricing (ERP) system, and take to help commuters plan their journey advantage of technological developments more conveniently. to develop our next generation ERP system to ensure our roads remain congestion free. Together, these measures will reduce overall journey times for commuters using public • In addition, we will also review schemes such transport. as the Off-Peak Car scheme and the Park and Ride scheme to reduce overall car usage. IMPROVING RESOURCE EFFICIENCY Encouraging Fuel-Effi cient Vehicles

We can improve the resource efficiency of Within the private transport sector, we will the transport system by managing the growth continue to encourage vehicle owners to switch of private transport, improving fuel effi ciency to more fuel-effi cient vehicles. of both private and public modes of transport, • From April 2009, NEA has introduced the and pricing fuels correctly. Fuel Economy Labelling Scheme (FELS), which provides buyers of passenger cars and Managing the Growth light goods vehicles with fuel economy of Private Transport information at the point of sale. This will empower consumers with information to Singapore is one of the few cities in the world make more fuel-effi cient vehicle purchases. to successfully implement a vehicle quota system, which has helped us maintain the • The government will also regularly review annual vehicle population growth rate at the Green Vehicle Rebate (GVR) scheme to 3%. At this growth rate, however, the current encourage consumers to purchase green vehicle population will still increase by 40% and fuel-effi cient cars.

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P54-63 Chapter 05-Commute.indd 59 5/4/09 2:14:55 PM Drivers who opt for environmentally-friendly cars enjoy the Green Vehicle Rebate

• Global trends indicate that electric buses have been introduced in the UK, the vehicles will eventually be introduced US, Hong Kong, Tokyo and New Zealand. into the mainstream automobile market. Based on trials conducted overseas, diesel Therefore, we will test-bed these vehicles hybrid technology for buses can improve in Singapore to enable us to facilitate their fuel economy by 15-30%, as well as reduce future adoption. PM2.5 emissions by up to 85%.

• In addition, LTA is working to develop a Green Making Buses and Framework for the Rapid Transit System Trains More Energy Effi cient (RTS) to improve the design and engineering of the RTS network to achieve greater Within the public transport sector, we can energy effi ciency. similarly use new technologies to make buses and trains more energy effi cient. Pricing Fuel Correctly • LTA will carry out a trial of diesel hybrid buses with private and public bus operators • The government will price fuel correctly to study the feasibility of applying this and maintain our policy of not subsidising technology to our bus fl eets. A diesel hybrid fuel usage. We will regularly review the rate bus uses an electric motor to complement of fuel duty as a form of general vehicular the diesel engine for propulsion. These usage charge, to encourage commuters and

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P54-63 Chapter 05-Commute.indd 60 5/4/09 2:14:55 PM MAKING CYCLING A WAY OF LIFE: THE TAMPINES EXAMPLE

In Tampines Town, cycling has become a LTA has been working with the relevant convenient mode of transport for intra-town government agencies to fi rm up a travel and short trips to key transport nodes. comprehensive cycling path in Tampines A Committee comprising the Singapore Police Town, and will be adding an estimated 7km Force, LTA and the Tampines Grassroots was of cycling path by 2010. The cycling path formed to oversee a pilot trial and study if cycling will link cyclists to major transport nodes such on footways would be feasible. The trial has as the bus interchange and the MRT station, enabled the Committee to identify measures making it easier for people to take public needed to improve the acceptance of cycling on transport. LTA will also be building more footways, including stepping up public education and better bicycle parking facilities near the and enforcement. The trial has also yielded useful Tampines MRT station. information on infrastructural improvements that can better ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety.

transport companies to save fuel, to encourage Reviewing Emissions Regulations commuters to switch to public transport, and to take into account the environmental impact We can reduce PM2.5 emissions by tightening of fuel usage. However, the government is emission regulations over time. Singapore has mindful of rising living and business costs adopted the Euro IV emission standards for diesel associated with any increase in fuel duty and vehicles. Euro IV diesel vehicles emit about 70% will consider the cost implications carefully in less PM2.5 compared to their Euro II counterparts. reviewing fuel taxes. With effect from 1 October 2006, all new diesel vehicles are required to comply with the Euro IV emission standards. We expect all taxis to ACHIEVING CLEANER achieve Euro IV emission standards by 2014, TRANSPORT and LTA will work with public bus operators to attain this standard for all their buses by 2020. The diesel vehicles on our roads emit fi ne The government will also consider tighter particles into the air (PM2.5), which can penetrate emission standards, such as the Euro V emission deep into the lungs and has been linked to standard, for new diesel vehicles when it is respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. To cost effective to do so. protect public health, we target to lower our ambient PM2.5 level from 16μg/m3 in 2008 to Using Cleaner Transport Technology 12μg/m3 by 2020. We aim to maintain the PM2.5 level at 12μg/m3 up to 2030, even if our economy We will also use new technology to improve and vehicle population continue to grow. the environmental performance of vehicles.

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P54-63 Chapter 05-Commute.indd 61 5/5/09 10:08:47 AM Bicycle parking facilities help cyclists transfer to the public Covered linkways to MRT stations make public transport more transport system accessible and convenient

For instance, Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) testing facility will be the fi rst of its kind in that are fi tted to diesel vehicles can potentially Singapore and will support the trials on DPF reduce up to 85% of the vehicles’ PM emissions. installation and diesel hybrid buses. However, they cost two to three times more than traditional diesel oxidation catalytic Encouraging Cleaner technology2. LTA will conduct trials on the Forms of Commuting use of the DPF on a range of diesel-driven vehicles and assess its feasibility and cost- We will also promote cleaner forms effectiveness in reducing PM2.5 emissions. of commuting, such as cycling. Bicycles LTA will also study alternative fuel technologies do not pollute the air and require no that can make commuting cleaner. fuel. Cycling is also good for the health. We have put in place infrastructure, such Establishing Local Emission Testing Capability

2 Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs) are one of the most common LTA, in partnership with the private sector, will diesel emissions control technology used for retrofi tting today. establish a vehicle emission test laboratory in DOCs help control PM emissions by oxidising (i.e. burning) the soluble organic fraction of particulate matter, but are less effi cient Singapore to measure vehicle emissions. This in doing so compared to DPFs.

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P54-63 Chapter 05-Commute.indd 62 5/5/09 10:09:33 AM as park connectors, to promote cycling as As a start, LTA will build over 1,200 additional a recreational activity. More will be done cycle parking lots in Tampines, Pasir Ris and to promote cycling as an alternative mode Yishun towns by 2010. of transport, especially for travelling within towns and short distance commuting to • Beyond this, LTA has also worked with public key public transport facilities (such as MRT transport operators to allow foldable bicycles stations and bus interchanges). on buses and trains during off-peak hours.

• Over the next five years, LTA will, in Promoting Pedestrian-Friendly partnership with community stakeholders, Environment and Enhancing invest more than $43 million to implement Connectivity cycling networks in selected HDB towns including Tampines, Yishun, Sembawang, LTA will also make our public transport Pasir Ris and Taman Jurong. These will system more accessible and convenient for improve access for cyclists and enhance pedestrians. pedestrian and cyclist safety. Besides HDB towns, LTA will also examine the feasibility • It will introduce more covered linkways of implementing cycling paths in new and pedestrian overhead bridges around districts such as Marina Bay. MRT stations and bus interchanges.

• In addition, LTA will provide more and better- • Pedestrians can also enjoy more seamless designed bicycle parking facilities near MRT transfers as LTA develops more integrated stations to help cyclists transfer to the public transport hubs and co-locates them with transport system for longer distance travel. commercial developments.

CONCLUSION

A Singapore city with a fi rst class living environment must have a cleaner, greener and more convenient transport system. We have made comprehensive plans to upgrade the transport infrastructure and enhance its environmental performance. We will have a cleaner and more fuel-effi cient vehicle fl eet by 2030. However, our city in 2030 will be shaped just as much by the individual commuting choices of our people as they are by these plans. If all of us choose to use public transport more, drive less and adopt cleaner and more fuel-effi cient options, we can look forward to a better living environment for all in the future.

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P54-63 Chapter 05-Commute.indd 63 5/4/09 2:15:05 PM PLAY – A CITY OF 06 GARDENS AND WATER

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P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 64 5/4/09 2:40:09 PM 65

P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 65 5/4/09 2:40:16 PM PLAY – A CITY OF 06 GARDENS AND WATER

Singapore is well known for being a garden city. Today, close to half of Singapore is covered by greenery, and there are thousands of species of fl ora and fauna living together with us in our city. Our extensive roadside greenery, parks and nature areas make Singapore a great home to live in.

As our population grows, we will have to make a greater effort to ensure that we continue to make space for greenery and our natural heritage. For the future, we hope to transform our city into a City of Gardens and Water. We want to see our city nestled in greenery, our waterways come alive and our residents enjoy better access to nature and our rich biodiversity. We seek to achieve this in a few ways: – Creating more parks and nature-based leisure options in Singapore – Promoting skyrise greenery to soften our densely built urban landscape – Transforming drains, canals and reservoirs to support recreational use – Protecting and enhancing our biodiversity to conserve our natural heritage for all to enjoy

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P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 66 5/4/09 2:40:19 PM Key Recommendations

Creating More Parks and Nature-Based Leisure Options n Provide 0.8ha of park land per 1,000 persons by 2030. In the shorter term, increase the amount of green park space by 900ha by 2020. o Make parks more accessible, by tripling the length of park connectors from 100 to 360km by 2020 and developing new leisure options around green spaces.

Promoting Skyrise Greenery p Add some 30ha and 50ha of skyrise greenery by 2020 and 2030 respectively, including 9ha of green roofs on multi-storey carparks in public housing estates. q Introduce various initiatives to promote skyrise greenery. This includes co-funding for green roofs in the Central Business District and Orchard Road areas, a landscape replacement policy for new developments in the Downtown Core (including Marina Bay), Jurong Gateway and Kallang Riverside; and bonus GFA for rooftop outdoor refreshment areas to incentivise provision of rooftop landscaping in the Central Area.

Transforming our Waterbodies r Open up 820ha of reservoirs and 90km of waterways for recreational activities by 2020 and 900ha of reservoirs and 100km of waterways by 2030.

Protecting and Enhancing Biodiversity s Implement a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to research, document and conserve biodiversity in Singapore. t Develop a City Biodiversity Index with international partners to promote biodiversity conservation efforts among cities globally.

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P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 67 5/4/09 2:40:21 PM CREATING MORE PARKS These recreational corridors will connect AND NATURE-BASED clusters of major parks in the various LEISURE OPTIONS regions of the island. This network will be complemented by seven loops and a 150km round-island route that allows our people to Creating New Parks walk, jog and cycle closer to the coastline and greenery. We will set aside more land for parks.

• The National Parks Board (NParks) has Creating New Nature already planned for an additional 900ha of Based Leisure Options parkland for the next 10 years. This will bring our total parkland to 4,200ha by 2020. By The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) 2030, we aim to have 0.8ha of parkland per has planned for new recreational areas for city 1,000 population. dwellers to take a respite from the intense city life in Singapore. Among these are unique leisure • The new parks to be created include Gardens venues at Changi Point, Punggol Coast and by the Bay in the heart of the new downtown, Lim Chu Kang. Coney Island Park and the expansion of Sungei Buloh Wetlands. These parks will host • Changi Point today already offers an array various community activities along themes of recreational amenities from chalets and like health and wellness and arts and culture, resorts to the popular Changi Village food for park users to enjoy. centre. The URA will build upon the existing infrastructure and lush greenery, to introduce Environmentally-Friendly new uses and activities that will enhance Features in Parks Changi as a coastal recreational destination. The Punggol coastline is a popular fi shing Our parks will also be greener, in more ways than one.

• NParks will implement new environmentally- friendly measures within all our regional parks. These measures include the recycling of horticultural waste as well as the reduced use of energy, water and chemical products. In addition, NParks will design some of the new parks to enhance biodiversity.

Making Parks More Accessible

• Our network of park connectors will be Future coastal promenade at Punggol will provide more leisure extended from 100km to 360km by 2020. options for residents

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P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 68 5/4/09 2:40:21 PM GARDENS BY THE BAY

The Gardens by the Bay comprises three a horticultural attraction and a showcase distinctive waterfront gardens – Gardens at of energy-effi cient technology. It will Marina South, Gardens at Marina East and provide an all-weather “edutainment” Gardens at Marina Centre. The Gardens will space within the Garden. Comprising a be Singapore’s premier urban outdoor “Cool Moist” biome (0.9ha) and a “Cool recreation space at Marina Bay. Dry” biome (1.2ha), it will display plants and fl owers from the Tropical Montane and The 54ha Gardens at Marina South will be Mediterranean environments. the largest and the fi rst of the three Gardens to open in 2011. It will showcase the best • Supertrees. Designed as tree-like structures of tropical horticulture and garden artistry, over 30m in height, the Supertrees are with displays of tropical fl owers and coloured uniquely designed vertical gardens, with foliage. It will also demonstrate energy and emphasis placed on creating a “wow” water conservation designs and measures. factor through the vertical display of tropical fl owering climbers, ephiphytes and At the heart of the Gardens are two key features: ferns. The Supertrees will also be integrated • A Cooled Conservatory Complex. The with solar energy and water technologies Conservatories will be an architectural icon, to help cool the Conservatories.

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P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 69 5/4/09 2:40:21 PM and leisure destination for families. URA a panoramic view of the reservoir. New park and NParks will be constructing a 11km connectors and nature trails will be created to coastal promenade connecting Sengkang connect parks and farms in the area to make Riverside Park, Punggol Point and Punggol them more accessible to the public. Park. URA has also planned for two recreational clusters along the promenade at Punggol Point and Punggol East where people PROMOTING can enjoy horseback riding and camping. SKYRISE GREENERY

• URA will develop the Lim Chu Kang area In addition to expanding park space, we can into a weekend countryside getaway by further expand greenery by going upwards. introducing agri-tainment options (such as Skyrise gardens have sprung up on various spas, rustic chalets) amidst existing farms, buildings in Singapore, including the roofs nature areas and the reservoir. At the Kranji and top decks of Housing and Development Reservoir, a new nature trail in the Kranji Board (HDB) multi-storey carparks and some Marshes will offer trekking enthusiasts a view new HDB fl ats. Such skyrise greenery reduces of the freshwater wetland and its resident heat transmitted through the roof, reduces birdlife and butterfl ies. Beyond the marshes, ambient temperature and glare, improves there will be new waterfront trails with sound insulation for buildings, and with the right lookout points and pavilions to offer people use of plants, can increase our biodiversity.

Rooftop gardens in public housing at Punggol provide more green spaces while optimising land use

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P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 70 5/4/09 2:40:24 PM MARINA BARRAGE

The Marina Barrage is a prime example In addition, the Marina Barrage is designed of Singapore’s holistic approach to water and built on environmentally-friendly principles. management and is the fl agship of PUB’s ABC Its iconic green roof serves as an insulation layer Waters Programme. A 3-in-1 project, it creates to lower indoor temperature, thereby reducing an additional source of water supply, acts as the building’s air-conditioning requirements. a tidal barrier to alleviate fl ooding in the low- It also has the largest collection of solar panels lying city areas and also serves as a lifestyle for a single installation – 405 in all – which attraction right in the heart of the city. convert solar energy into utility grade electricity to supplement the daytime power requirements The Marina catchment is the island’s largest of the Marina Barrage. and most urbanised catchment, spanning 10,000 hectares. The Barrage is essentially Visitors to the Marina Barrage can enjoy a dam across the Marina Channel, creating waterfront alfresco dining or picnics on the the Marina Reservoir. Together with the Green Roof while taking in picturesque views new Serangoon and Punggol reservoirs, the of the city skyline and Marina Reservoir. Marina Reservoir will increase Singapore’s In addition, they can visit the Sustainable water catchment from half to two-thirds of Singapore Gallery to fi nd out more about our land area. Singapore’s sustainable development efforts.

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P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 71 5/4/09 2:40:25 PM Our aim is to add 30ha of skyrise greenery by 2020 and 50ha by 2030 through the following new initiatives.

• HDB will target to develop 9ha of green roofs on the top deck of existing multi-storey carparks in the residential heartlands over the next three years.

• The government will incentivise the development of skyrise greenery in strategic locations in the city. NParks will pilot a Our waterways are open for recreational activities such as kayaking grant scheme to co-fund up to half the installation cost for green roofs, focusing on the Central Business District and Orchard be better used for recreation and to soften Road areas for a start. URA will also grant our cityscape. existing buildings within the key activity Under the Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters corridors in the Central Area (such as Orchard programme, PUB, Singapore’s national water and in the existing Downtown) bonus gross agency, will transform our drains, canals and fl oor area (GFA) to be used for rooftop outdoor reservoirs into beautiful and clean streams, rivers refreshment areas if developers provide and lakes that are integrated with the surrounding rooftop landscaping for their developments. parks and green spaces. These reservoirs and • URA will adopt a landscape replacement policy waterways can support water-based recreational to introduce greenery into new developments, activities, such as kayaking, canoeing and as we develop and intensify the use of our sailing and serve as community focal points for land in the city and new growth areas. All events and recreation. This programme brings new developments in the Downtown Core people closer to our waterways and inspires (including Marina Bay), Jurong Gateway and Singaporeans to keep our waterways clean and Kallang Riverside will have to provide to conserve water. landscape areas equivalent to the overall • For a start, 27 projects will be implemented development site area in the form of skyrise over the next few years. By 2020, 820ha of greenery and ground level communal reservoirs and 90km of waterways will be landscape areas. opened for recreational activities. By 2030, PUB will implement more than 130 projects TRANSFORMING in business and heartland areas, opening up OUR WATERBODIES 900ha of reservoirs1 and 100km of waterways for recreational use. We have developed a dense network of canals and waterways to manage storm water and to 1 The 11 reservoirs which would be opened for recreational activities are: Bedok, MacRitchie, Lower Seletar, Upper Seletar, Lower Pierce, meet Singapore’s water needs. They can also Marina, Pandan, Kranji, Jurong Lake, Punggol and Serangoon.

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P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 72 5/4/09 2:40:29 PM PROMOTING SPECIES CONSERVATION

Hornbills are large birds and there are only 54 species of them worldwide. There has been no record of the breeding of this hornbill species in Singapore since at least 1855, although birds have occasionally been spotted in Singapore up until the 1920s. Therefore, it was indeed surprising to fi nd the Oriental Pied Hornbill breeding in Pulau Ubin in 1997, as they require large trees for their nest holes. The hornbill population has grown since they started breeding naturally in Pulau Ubin and NParks involves setting up nest boxes in our parks and currently monitors around 45 to 50 hornbills gardens to entice the Oriental Pied Hornbill around Pulau Ubin and the Changi area. to move from Pulau Ubin to the main island. Some of these nest boxes are equipped with To help our local hornbills survive and fl ourish, video cameras to allow researchers to study NParks coordinated a joint project with their behaviour inside the nests, making it a Nanyang Technological University, Jurong Bird world-fi rst attempt at studying hornbill nesting Park and CVM Private Limited. This project behaviour in the wild, in a city setting!

PROTECTING AND protected. These four nature reserves cover ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY more than 3,000ha or 4.5% of Singapore’s land area. Singapore has rich biodiversity for an island of its size. As a comparison, Singapore, which is 0.2% In land scarce Singapore, we will always have the size of UK, has some 360 species of birds or to make tough trade-offs between different 60% of the number of species found in the UK. land uses. Nevertheless, we will keep the 2 This is despite us having a vibrant economy, one Nature Areas for as long as possible. Some of of the highest population densities in the world, these areas are integrated with parks to allow and no countryside or hinterland. our people to get closer to and enjoy nature. The URA will also seek to focus development Today, key indigenous ecosystems – namely in urbanised areas before undeveloped areas the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (lowland are opened up. Where development must take dipterocarp forest), Central Catchment Nature Reserve (freshwater swamp forest), Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (mangroves) and Labrador 2 As refl ected in the Special & Detailed Controls Plan of URA’s Master Nature Reserve (coastal hill forest) – are legally Plan 2008

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P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 73 5/4/09 2:40:29 PM place, we can seek to adopt innovative measures to reduce the impact on greenery and biodiversity. For instance, by linking parks and nature reserves with park connectors and planting suitable trees and shrubs, we can help butterflies and birds to fly from park to park. This is beneficial for species survival as populations of these creatures can be too vulnerable if confined to a single park.

As a step forward, NParks is developing an action plan – the Singapore National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan – to conserve our natural heritage for the next 10-15 years. The Plan comprises initiatives in a few key areas.

• Conservation and rehabilitation programmes: Under the Plan, NParks will make new efforts to conserve and rehabilitate species, including putting in place monitoring programmes, species surveys, improvements of habitats in The Chek Jawa Wetlands is home to a rich variety of biodiversity Nature Reserves, Nature Areas and parkland and reintroduction of rare species. For instance, NParks will utilise our parks for ex- • Research and documentation of Singapore’s situ conservation and to house or re-create biodiversity and natural environment: ecosystems that have been lost. NParks is This includes biodiversity valuation studies, 3 also studying the development of Eco-links research on how to enhance biodiversity between nature reserves. This will help to in urban settings outside nature areas, a ensure the survival of species of plants and central information portal on biodiversity animals by preventing inbreeding and loss and a red data list that targets species for of genetic diversity. conservation.

• Biodiversity considerations in policy • Public education: NParks will work with and decision-making: The government non-governmental organisations to promote will take into account biodiversity issues public awareness and appreciation of when making decisions, and adopt holistic Singapore’s biodiversity. approaches towards the conservation of our natural environment. Findings from various

research efforts can also enrich our policy 3 This eco-link is a wildlife or landscape linkage with the primary making process and help facilitate balanced function of connecting at least two signifi cant habitat areas to help plants and animals previously isolated in small pockets to spread decision making. and interact with other populations.

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P64-75 Chapter 06-Play.indd 74 5/4/09 2:40:30 PM • Domestic and international collaboration: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), NParks will partner international organisations, Singapore proposed the development of public interest groups and private companies a self-assessment tool for cities to evaluate to jointly develop the knowledge base and the efforts of biodiversity conservation at capability to expand conservation efforts. the city level. In February 2009, Singapore Singapore will also do its part to promote and the CBD Secretariat co-hosted conservation efforts in the region and beyond through various bilateral and multilateral successfully the first expert workshop on initiatives. For instance, at the 2008 Meeting the development of the Singapore Index of the Conference of the Parties to the on Cities’ Biodiversity.

CONCLUSION

The growth of our city does not have to come at the expense of our quality of life. With careful planning and innovative solutions, our small city state can continue to prosper as a global city and economic hub, yet remain a green and blue playground for all its residents.

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 76 5/4/09 3:04:01 PM WORK – RESOURCE- 07 EFFICIENT INDUSTRIES FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 77 5/4/09 3:04:05 PM WORK – RESOURCE- 07 EFFICIENT INDUSTRIES FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Singapore believes that growth and environmental sustainability are compatible and mutually reinforcing. Over the years, we managed to achieve economic growth together with a good quality environment. We did this by introducing policies early in the course of industrial development to safeguard environmental quality. Economic growth in turn gives us the means to further improve our living environment.

Going forward, we want to build even cleaner and more resource-effi cient industries, which will help industries improve cost competitiveness, and open new economic opportunities for Singapore. We will achieve these goals in a few ways: – Promoting energy effi ciency among industries and businesses – Enhancing water security and effi ciency to support growing industrial needs – Promoting waste minimisation and recycling in industry to conserve resources – Controlling pollution from industries to ensure that industrial growth does not come at the expense of public health and the environment – Promoting Clean Technology and Sustainable Urban Solutions as new growth sectors

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 78 5/4/09 3:04:07 PM Key Recommendations

Promoting Energy Effi ciency n Facilitate energy-related benchmarking for key industrial sectors. o Establish a national Energy Efficiency Circle Programme to promote a culture of sustained energy efficiency improvement in companies. p Promote more energy-efficient technologies and systems, such as co-generation and tri-generation within power generation plants and industrial facilities, and green data centres.

Enhancing Water Security and Effi ciency q Expand NEWater infrastructure and promote water efficiency to support future industry needs.

Promoting Waste Minimisation and Recycling r Set standards for recycled products to increase their uptake. s Introduce an accreditation system for companies that recycle construction and demolition waste. t Extend the Singapore Packaging Agreement beyond the food and beverage industry.

Controlling Pollution

3 u Cap ambient SO2 levels at an annual mean of 15μg/m by 2020 and maintain

the same ambient SO2 levels in 2030.

Promoting Clean Technology and Sustainable Urban Solutions v Promote Clean Technology and Sustainable Urban Solutions as new economic growth sectors, in tandem with our sustainable development efforts. w Develop a 55ha CleanTech Park at Jalan Bahar as a platform for test-bedding clean technologies.

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 79 5/4/09 3:04:11 PM KEPPEL MERLIMAU COGEN

Keppel Merlimau Cogen is a 500MW steam vis-à-vis conventional boilers due to natural gas-fired combined cycle co- its higher effi ciency. By consolidating demand generation plant located on Jurong Island. for utilities, third party utilities providers The project provides utilities like steam, like Keppel Merlimau can produce utilities de-mineralised water, firefighting water, at lower prices through greater economies cooling water and pipe service corridor to of scale. Chemical companies benefit both industrial and utility consumers on Jurong from lower price of utilities as well as the Island. Co-generation is typically 30-40% ability to outsource non-core functions to the more competitive in the production of Multi-Utilities Service Providers.

PROMOTING help them build energy management expertise ENERGY EFFICIENCY and support them with fi nancing through co-funding schemes. We have already embarked Today, the industry sector accounts for more on several initiatives in these areas. than half of total national energy consumption. If we make our industries more energy effi cient, we can greatly enhance Singapore’s energy Raise Awareness security and make our economy more resilient to fl uctuations in energy supply. Energy effi ciency The National Environment Agency (NEA) and will also improve the cost competitiveness of its partners periodically organise seminars, our industries, especially that of energy-intensive conferences and workshops to bring together local industries such as our refi nery, petrochemical, and overseas experts and various stakeholders to electronics and pharmaceutical industries. share knowledge, expertise and best practices in energy effi ciency. NEA has also developed a To encourage businesses to invest greater management attention and resources in energy website, www.e2singapore.gov.sg, that provides effi ciency, we have to provide companies information on available energy effi ciency schemes with more information on energy effi ciency, and energy effi ciency case studies.

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 80 5/4/09 3:04:11 PM Build Capability • Facilitate Energy-Related Benchmarking: In our industry consultations, many companies The Energy Sustainability Unit (ESU) of the indicated that energy benchmarks are useful in National University of Singapore (NUS) has helping them improve their energy effi ciency. developed a Singapore Certified Energy The government will work with leaders Manager (SCEM) programme that offers a in various industries to conduct studies formal training and certification system in the to establish appropriate energy-related area of energy management. NEA provides an benchmarks for key industrial sectors. With SCEM training grant that offsets a portion of these benchmarks, companies will be better the training fees for the curriculum. The ESU able to assess their relative energy performance of NUS also operates an accreditation scheme and their energy effi ciency potential. for Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) to enhance the professionalism and quality of • Establish a National Energy Effi ciency Circle energy services offered. Programme: NEA will introduce an Energy Efficiency Circle Programme to promote Facilitate Adoption a culture of sustained energy efficiency improvement in our companies, similar to NEA’s Design for Effi ciency Scheme (DfE) what had been done for productivity with provides funding assistance to investors in Quality Circles. An Energy Efficiency Circle new facilities in Singapore to integrate energy programme is built around small groups of and resource effi ciency improvements at the employees that regularly identify potential design stage. Designing an industrial facility energy effi ciency opportunities in their area in an energy effi cient manner ex-ante is more of work and discuss what can be done to cost-effective and can achieve greater energy realise this potential. This programme will savings as compared to implementing retrofi tted provide tools for companies to involve upgrades after a facility has been built. employees in energy effi ciency improvements, NEA has established an Energy Effi ciency as well as recognition for companies that Improvement Assistance Scheme (EASe) to have done so. co-fund the cost of energy audits by up to 50%, • Promote Energy Management Practices: to encourage companies to study their energy consumption and identify potential areas for The government will study the feasibility improvement. NEA’s Grant for Energy Effi cient of mandating certain energy management Technologies (GREET) scheme helps companies practices for large energy users, such as the to offset part of the cost of implementing energy appointment of trained energy managers effi ciency measures. Companies can also tap on and the implementation of an energy the Investment Allowance (IA) Scheme if the capital management system (EMS) within companies. expenditure results in greater energy effi ciency. EMS helps companies integrate energy In the future, we hope to further improve energy effi ciency into their management practices. effi ciency in our industries with the following Implementing an EMS involves a company new initiatives: identifying key energy performance

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 81 5/4/09 3:04:12 PM indicators, setting baseline standards and Jurong Island and by companies in energy efficiency goals, setting up a cross- Tuas. The government will continue divisional team to develop and implement to work with the private sector an action plan to achieve the goals and to extend the MUSP models to other setting up systems to monitor the company’s industrial sectors and geographical areas energy performance. It also involves within Singapore. informing workers of the company’s energy effi ciency goals, training workers to • Promote Energy Effi ciency in Data Centres: implement energy effi ciency systems and Data centres, server rooms and IT equipment rewarding staff for achieving energy savings. account for a signifi cant amount of energy Global companies that have an EMS have use in buildings. The government will work demonstrated that it can bring about with the Information and Communications signifi cant benefi ts. For example, 3M Technology (ICT) industry to develop achieved a 35% improvement in energy and promote the adoption of green data productivity between 2000 and 2005, centre standards that will reduce the and this translated to cost savings of power consumption of IT systems. These US$190 million. Toyota improved energy standards will take into account the ongoing intensity by 26% in eight years, while Dow international efforts in this area as well Chemical improved energy intensity by 22% as guidelines and best practices for data between 1994 and 2005, and is targeting centre design, setup and operations. The another 25% cut from 2005 to 2015. public sector will also adopt green data centre practices and promote awareness • Promote Co-generation and Tri-generation of green data centre benefits among Technology: We will achieve energy data centre operators in the public efficiency if more industries use co- sector, develop training and certification generation and tri-generation technology. programmes for the public and private Co-generation is the simultaneous sector data centre operators, and promote production of both electricity and useful R&D in energy efficient data centres. heat (steam) from a fuel source. It can reduce the amount of fuel needed to generate • Establish Energy Efficiency Standards: both electricity and steam by 15-20%, as The government will continue to study compared to generating them separately. global best practices in promoting Tri-generation plants are even more effi cient energy efficiency and where appropriate, as the same fuel source is also used to refine our local legislative and regulatory produce chilled water. For companies with framework. For instance, we will study the combined demand for electricity and steam, experiences of countries that have legislated or electricity, steam and chilled water, minimum energy efficiency standards co-generation and tri-generation can result for major energy-consuming equipment in significant energy savings. Currently, and systems, and examine if it is feasible such technology is utilised by multi- to use legislation to further promote utilities service providers (MUSP) on energy efficiency.

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 82 5/4/09 3:04:12 PM Localised water supply could be developed to meet non-domestic water demand in industrial clusters

ENHANCING WATER will complete the construction of the fifth SECURITY AND EFFICIENCY and largest NEWater plant to date (50mgd) at Changi by 2010, and link the NEWater Water is a key resource that supports the clusters with pipes to form an island-wide growth of our industries. Today, the non- network. Industries in wafer fabrication domestic sector accounts for half of Singapore’s and petrochemical require highly purified water demand. The demand for water will water. By supplying them with NEWater, increase as water intensive industries such as we can better meet their needs and reduce petrochemical and wafer fabrication continue the demand for potable water. to grow. Hence, we have to continually • Develop Localised Water Supply: A large develop alternative sources of water supply portion of non-domestic demand is and promote water effi ciency. concentrated in industrial clusters such as In the future, we will make the following Jurong Island. There is potential to develop additional efforts to expand water supply: localised sources to meet these needs, through measures such as process water • Expand NEWater Capacity: PUB will steadily recycling and desalination. In these clusters, expand Singapore’s NEWater production there are also opportunities to recover heat capacity and the distribution network. We for water production. A promising example

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 83 5/4/09 3:04:12 PM is membrane distillation, which taps low-grade to defray part of the capital costs of water steam or waste heat from power stations, recycling systems. The Water Efficient incineration plants or industrial processes Buildings programme encourages the to supplement the energy requirements use of water-efficient fittings and assists for desalination. PUB is now planning for a building owners in monitoring their water demonstration plant to validate the technical consumption. PUB will adopt a sector- and economic feasibility of this system. Once specifi c approach to identify areas for the results are proven, PUB will work closely improvement in water conservation, starting with the private sector to commercialise it. with hotels, schools and commercial buildings.

NEWater and desalinated water are more resilient to changes in weather. The expansion PROMOTING of these unconventional sources of water WASTE MINIMISATION will increase our water supply and help us AND RECYCLING meet any future challenges to our water supply posed by weather changes. Singapore needs to reduce the amount of waste it generates as it has limited land for We will also step up our efforts to promote landfi ll and incineration plants. NEA will seek water effi ciency: to promote waste minimisation and recycling through a few ways. • Promote Awareness: PUB will facilitate sharing of best practices and expertise in • Promote Less Packaging: An effective way water-effi cient design and management of reducing waste is to reduce the amount through outreach and education programmes. generated during production. In June It will develop self-diagnostic tools to allow 2007, NEA signed a voluntary Singapore industry users to assess their performance Packaging Agreement with NGOs, industry relative to similar organisations and industry associations and businesses in the food benchmarks, and identify opportunities for and beverage sector. Signatories undertake improvement. to re-design their product packaging to reduce waste, such as by using less material, • Build Capabilities: PUB will equip facility and and using more recycled or recyclable operation managers with water audit skills materials. The agreement will be expanded through the Water Effi ciency Manager Course, in future to cover other product lines. so that they can identify gaps and develop their own water conservation strategies. • Provide Financial Support for Recycling: NEA will launch a 3R (Reduce, Reuse, • Promote Industry-led Initiatives: PUB will Recycle) Fund in 2009 to co-fund projects that seek to help industries manage their water minimise waste and promote recycling. These demand through financial incentives as well projects include provision of waste recycling as recognition and awards under the 10% infrastructure, re-design of processes to Challenge programme. For example, the reduce waste, and the provision of innovative Water Efficiency Fund will help industries sorting or recycling equipment or systems.

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 84 5/4/09 3:04:13 PM Pollution control requirements are imposed on industries to manage their impact on the environment

• Promote Use of Recycled Products: NEA CONTROLLING POLLUTION is working with industry associations such as the Waste Management and Recycling NEA imposes pollution control requirements Association of Singapore (WMRAS) to set on all industrial developments to prevent, standards for recycled products to promote reduce and control pollution. Major industrial their use among industries. For example, developments are required to carry out pollution NEA worked with the National Parks Board control studies to assess all sources of pollution (NParks), a major generator of horticultural and to recommend mitigating measures that can waste and a major consumer of compost, to be incorporated into the design and operation set recycled content requirements for of the developments. For instance, industries compost. WMRAS also worked with the have to observe emission concentration Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and standards for air pollutants and controls on fuel NEA to set up a new industry-led accreditation quality. After industrial developments are set up, system for construction and demolition waste NEA requires them to carry out self-monitoring recycling facilities, to raise the quality and to ensure that these standards are adhered to. standards of recycled construction material. NEA also carries out regular checks, such as

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 85 5/4/09 3:04:13 PM source emission testing and fuel analyses, and these measures as well as consider new ones, takes enforcement action against violators. such as tightening construction noise limits.

Singapore will have to be more vigilant towards pollution control as our city becomes PROMOTING CLEAN more densely built. Therefore, we will TECHNOLOGY AND continue to review and enhance our pollution SUSTAINABLE URBAN control regulations in the future. SOLUTIONS

• Capping Sulphur Dioxide Emission: NEA In the next decade, the government will invest will continue to review pollution standards more in developing clean technology1 and and requirements regularly to ensure that sustainable urban solutions2 as new growth areas. they are in line with international best Apart from overcoming our own constraints, practices while not imposing prohibitive this will also allow us to contribute to sustainable costs on the industry. In particular, a key air development in the region and beyond. pollutant of concern from industry is sulphur The Economic Development Board (EDB) will dioxide (SO2) which can impair respiratory functions and aggravate existing respiratory nurture new economic opportunities in clean and cardiovascular diseases. NEA will seek technologies and urban solutions in three ways: to achieve the goal of capping ambient 3 • Create a Vibrant Research Ecosystem: SO2 levels at an annual mean of 15μg/m in EDB will create a vibrant research ecosystem 2020, and maintaining it at this level in 2030. in clean technology and urban solutions, It will therefore work with major emitters, comprising world-class R&D centres, such as oil refi neries, petrochemical plants equipment companies, supplier base, testing and power generation companies, to use and certifi cation services, funds and incubator cleaner fuels and put in place more pollution projects. EDB will establish high-quality control measures. environment research centres of excellence • Managing Noise Pollution: Singapore’s dense that can train specialised manpower as well urban landscape means that noisy activities as provide technical expertise to the local (such as construction works) are sometimes industry. In addition, it will put in place new located close to residences. The government programmes to groom talent and specialist takes a balanced approach towards controlling manpower. These include funding research environmental noise – it recognises that a certain centres of excellence to train manpower, amount of noise is inevitable, but requires industry to take measures to ensure that noise levels remain acceptable. NEA develops noise 1 Although there is no standard defi nition, clean technology is often referred to as products, services, and processes that harness pollution standards and guidelines that are renewable materials and energy sources, dramatically reduce benchmarked to international standards, in the use of natural resources, and cut or eliminate emissions and wastes. consultation with the industry. However, as we 2 Sustainable urban solutions refer to products and services that strive for a higher quality of life in Singapore meet the needs of those living in cities, which include traffi c management, waste collection, recycling, pollution control and over time, NEA may need to both review water supply.

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 86 5/4/09 3:04:15 PM JALAN BAHAR CLEANTECH PARK

The Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) and bedding of Urban Solutions that are practical Economic Development Board (EDB) are and scalable. This CleanTech Park will focus developing the Jalan Bahar CleanTech Park on achieving low carbon emissions, and for companies undertaking clean technology integrate existing surrounding ecological activities such as R&D, test-bedding, features with the built-up area. Located next prototyping and light manufacturing. The to Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Park will showcase sustainable building and the 55ha CleanTech Park will be developed infrastructure features and provide a plug- over 20 years with the first development and-play environment to facilitate test- ready in 2011.

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 87 5/4/09 3:04:15 PM SOLAR ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SINGAPORE (SERIS)

In the last few years, Singapore has already of $130 million over fi ve years and is led by CEO attracted an array of private Cleantech R&D Professor Joachim Luther, formerly the Director centres such as GE Water, Siemens Water, of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Bosch (solar) and Vestas (wind). Cleantech Systems (ISE). The institute seeks to collaborate R&D centres were also launched in our with industry on solutions-focused R&D in the institutes of higher learning. These include the areas of crystalline and thin-fi lm silicon solar Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore technology, novel photovoltaic devices as (SERIS) in the National University of Singapore well as solar and energy-effi cient buildings. (NUS), NUS Environmental Research Institute SERIS also provides testing and certifi cation (NERI) and Nanyang Environment and Water services for solar photovoltaic modules under Research Institute (NEWRI). New Energy Technology Pte Ltd, a tripartite SERIS is Singapore’s national laboratory for partnership between SERIS, VDE Institute and innovative solar energy research and was Fraunhofer ISE. Currently staffed by a team of set up in April 2007 as part of the National 30 personnel, the institute is expected to grow University of Singapore (NUS). It has a budget to 100 researchers by 2011.

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 88 5/4/09 3:04:16 PM more scholarship programmes and a visiting and public transportation systems as professor programme. It will also provide development platforms for the private funds on a competitive basis to encourage sector to test-bed technologies. This will local research institutes to undertake catalyse public-private sector collaborations breakthrough R&D activities in clean to develop new solutions for Singapore technology and other urban solutions. as well as allow private sector companies, both local and overseas, to test-bed new • Facilitate Test-Bedding: As a small, technologies that can be subsequently compact and densely populated urban exported worldwide. centre with a strong regulatory framework, Singapore is an ideal living laboratory for • Expand and Deepen the Industry companies to test-bed and adapt solutions Cluster in Clean Technologies: EDB will for use worldwide. Siemens is already actively seek to attract leading global setting up its Global Centre of Competence companies in clean technologies to for City Management here. This centre will base their headquarters, manufacturing be a test-bed and launch pad for innovative and business development operations, as IT solutions in city management. Many well as R&D facilities in Singapore. These other local and foreign companies have investments will further facilitate the transfer also used Singapore as a launch pad to of know-how and promote collaboration initiate R&D projects and test out their between global companies and our local new ideas and solutions before exporting research institutes and companies. At them to emerging cities in China, India, the same time, the government will step Southeast-Asia and the Middle East. up efforts to help our local companies better internationalise their business and To further consolidate Singapore as a living operations, such as organising related laboratory for companies, the government industry conferences and trade exhibitions will make available public facilities such as to profi le the companies’ products. water treatment plants, incineration plants

CONCLUSION

Economic growth and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand. By making concerted efforts to boost the resource effi ciency of our industries and develop clean technology as a new economic growth area, we can achieve environmental sustainability while supporting future economic growth.

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P76-89 Chapter 07-Work.indd 89 5/4/09 3:04:22 PM CAPABILITY 08 DEVELOPMENT – A LIVING LAB FOR INNOVATIONS

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 91 5/4/09 3:21:39 PM CAPABILITY 08 DEVELOPMENT – A LIVING LAB FOR INNOVATIONS

Since independence, Singapore has made a virtue of its constraints, and its limitations, a source of competitive advantage. Singapore’s resource and size constraints are not a handicap. Instead they serve as the impetus for us to innovate and become a leader in resource-effi cient technologies.

Our goal is to establish Singapore as a Hub for sustainable development solutions in the next decade and beyond.

We seek to achieve this goal in two ways: – Develop key capabilities and technologies, especially in resource efficiency and urban planning and design – Develop Singapore as a knowledge hub and provider of services relating to environmentally sustainable urban development

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 92 5/4/09 3:21:41 PM Key Recommendations

n Conduct research to improve Singapore’s effectiveness in maximising our sources of water, as well as increase the energy efficiency of water treatment. o Establish a new $5 million incentive scheme to develop prototype building designs that achieve at least 50% improvement in energy efficiency. p Develop Marina Bay and Jurong Lake District as our new generation of sustainable high-density districts. q Establish a five-year research program to adapt water sensitive urban design concepts and technologies to local use. r Invest in R&D and manpower in clean energy and water technologies. s Expand R&D in other clean environment technology areas such as waste management. t Promote international exchange of ideas in sustainable development. u Contribute Singapore’s expertise to help build environmentally sustainable cities across the world.

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 93 5/4/09 3:21:44 PM DEVELOPING CAPABILITIES MAKING EACH AND TECHNOLOGIES DROP COST LESS Technology and innovation can help us achieve Under a Challenge Request-for-Proposal both economic growth and a good living for energy-effi cient seawater desalination environment. Singapore will continue to invest technologies, the Environment and Water heavily in research and development (R&D). Industry Development Council (EWI) We will learn and adapt the latest technology awarded $4 million in June 2008 to Siemens to our local needs, while developing new Water Technologies to develop an innovative knowledge in areas such as resource effi ciency, electro-chemical process that uses only clean energy and urban planning, which we 1.5kWh of energy per m3 of seawater – can share with other cities that face similar much lower than current standards – challenges as us in managing future growth. to purify seawater to meet drinking standards. Unlike conventional reverse osmosis processes which extract the water, Water Technologies this technology removes the salt from seawater, which consists of 97% water and Singapore has limited land to store water. only 3% salt. PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, will conduct further R&D to improve Singapore’s Another emerging water technology is effectiveness in water treatment as well as to membrane distillation, which utilises low- maximise our sources of water. grade steam or waste heat from power stations or incineration plants to supplement A key research priority of the PUB is to find the energy requirements for producing ways to increase the energy efficiency of water drinking water from seawater. This enables production processes, which currently use up a the membrane distillation process to utilise significant amount of energy. PUB will promote a net energy input of less than 1kWh/m3 of research to improve the energy efficiency of freshwater produced. PUB is working closely seawater desalination processes in order to with the private sector to test-bed and make desalination a more viable source of commercialise these technologies. water. It will also study low-chemical or zero- chemical water treatment processes, such as ultraviolet disinfection, to improve safety, water quality and resource utilisation in water Energy-Effi cient Building Technologies treatment. In addition, sludge produced by The Building and Construction Agency (BCA) used water treatment processes can be a useful will continue to promote R&D and test- source of energy or materials. PUB will study bedding of green building technology. an integrated anaerobic-aerobic treatment process to reduce sludge production and The Ministry of National Development (MND) increase biogas that can in turn be used to has established a $50 million Research Fund for power the water treatment plant. the Built Environment to support such research.

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 94 5/4/09 3:21:44 PM An international panel of experts comprising green building experts from around the world was also formed in October 2008 to advise BCA on promoting and implementing green buildings in Singapore.

Going forward, BCA will establish a new $5 million incentive scheme to encourage developers to collaborate with experts worldwide to develop prototype building designs that can achieve at least 50% improvement in energy effi ciency.

Urban Planning and Design

Singapore is able to achieve sustainable growth within our limited land area because we have a long-term land use planning framework that integrates infrastructure, policies and technology Planning for a sustainable high-density mixed-use district to meet the development needs of the country. at Jurong Lake

Going forward, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will seek to develop Marina Water Sensitive Technologies Bay and the Jurong Lake District as our new and Urban Design generation of sustainable high-density districts. It will conduct further research and studies of NParks and PUB will embark on a research new technologies and our physical landscape programme to adapt water sensitive urban and use the results to refine its land use design concepts and technologies to local planning framework. It will apply the enhanced use. The project will evaluate the performance planning framework to the overall planning and local application of “Active, Beautiful, of these new districts to make them even Clean (ABC) Water” design features1 like bio- more sustainable. retention swales, rain gardens and constructed wetlands. These could act as natural purifi cation The URA, the National Parks Board (NParks), systems to improve water quality in our the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the Housing reservoirs and waterways. NParks and PUB will and Development Board (HDB) and the National launch pilot projects to evaluate the use of University of Singapore (NUS) will also conduct these sustainable water features. further research on high-density living to develop new urban planning and design 1 ABC Waters design features are engineering features that mimic guidelines that can help us achieve economic, natural systems to mitigate the impact of urban stormwater social and environmental development in a run-off on the environment. ABC Waters Design Guidelines will integrate planning and design of such features with the more balanced way. urban environment.

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 95 5/4/09 3:21:44 PM Artist impression of Marina Bay

MARINA BAY – A SUSTAINABLE DISTRICT

Marina Bay will be a vibrant and sustainable improve pedestrian comfort, increase the use high-density district with a mixed-use live, of external spaces and manage the effects of work, play environment. The district hosts the heat gain through appropriate urban design Marina Bay Financial Centre, Marina Bay Sands and landscape planting. Integrated Resort, the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Barrage. The Urban Redevelopment Better Energy Effi ciency Authority (URA) is working closely with various • The government will require all new government agencies such as the Building developments at Marina Bay to achieve and Construction Authority (BCA), National a minimum Green Mark Platinum or Parks Board (NParks), Land Transport Authority Goldplus standard. (LTA), the national water agency PUB and the National University of Singapore (NUS) to further • A District Cooling System (DCS) is also in enhance the sustainability of Marina Bay. place within the Common Services Tunnel network. The DCS achieves savings through Sustainable Planning economies of scale and reduces the amount • The District is planned following sustainable of space needed for a mechanical plant development principles. For example, the area within individual developments. is being developed as a seamless extension • The new Waterfront Promenade around of the existing Central Business District, Marina Bay will include design features to allowing the new developments to tap into cool the ambient air temperature and improve the existing infrastructure and integrate with pedestrian comfort. The LED lighting, outdoor existing developments. fans and the Visitor Centre will be powered • URA intends to develop an urban bio-climatic by solar energy. The Visitor Centre will include map for the area to allow its planners to sustainable design features such as natural take advantage of prevailing wind fl ows to daylighting and natural ventilation.

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 96 5/4/09 3:21:46 PM Greenery and Water Management A Place for All to Enjoy

• The Marina Barrage and the Marina Reservoir • There will be an extensive waterfront will collect all rainwater within the urban promenade and a network of covered catchment area to increase our water resources and open spaces for people to gather in and to control fl ooding. The barrage includes and enjoy. resource-effi cient design and features. • The Marina Bay Development Agency will • URA will require all new developments within manage the public areas and continue to Marina Bay to provide skyrise greenery work with stakeholders to coordinate a year- and ground level communal landscaped round calendar of events with the aim of areas which are equivalent to the site area enhancing the sense of identity and vibrancy of the development. NParks will operate a of Marina Bay. new Skyrise Greenery Incentive Scheme to • Singapore’s fi rst Art Park will foster a greater incentivise existing developments in the City sense of community ownership and will Centre to green up their roofs. feature a number of art works by students. • The 101ha world-class Gardens by the Bay Heritage Conservation and extensive landscape planting within the district will provide the public with • The conservation and adaptive re-use green spaces for recreation and allow for of key heritage buildings around Marina biodiversity. URA will work with NParks Bay, including the former Clifford Pier and and PUB to incorporate more biodiversity, Customs Harbour Branch Buildings, Change water recycling and water sensitive design Alley Aerial Plaza, Fullerton Hotel and features in Marina Bay. the Asia Insurance Building, will provide Sustainable Transport a historical reference to the past.

• A comprehensive public transport network, planned to be in place by 2020, will allow commuters to be within an average of 5 minutes walk from their destinations. The Rapid Transit System (RTS) Stations will be seamlessly integrated with a comprehensive pedestrian network at the Bay that is part of the larger planned pedestrian network within key districts in the city centre. The comprehensive pedestrian network, including underground, street-level and upper level walkways, will facilitate inter-building connectivity and encourage the use of public transport.

• An intra-district network of cycling paths, which can link with the larger island-wide Park Connector Network, is also being studied. Conservatories, Gardens at Marina South

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 97 5/4/09 3:23:46 PM CLEANING WATER THE NATURAL WAY

The PUB and the Housing and Development Board (HDB) have set up an experimental rain garden at Balam Estate. The rain garden creates a garden habitat, promotes biodiversity and provides an aesthetically pleasing landscape. Stormwater interacts with the soil and plants in the rain garden and is cleansed of litter and pollutants.

The Sengkang Riverside Park Constructed Wetland System consists of two sedimentation basins and a macrophyte zone designed for a catchment area of 9.35ha. A macrophyte zone is an area where water is naturally cleansed of nutrients that are absorbed by aquatic The rain garden in Balam Estate fi lters stormwater naturally, creates a natural habitat for biodiversity, plants. It uses wetland plants to cleanse and adds to the landscape stormwater runoff. The sedimentation ponds collect fi ne particles and sediments from the such as Typha and Cyprus treat the water to stormwater runoff before discharging it into improve its quality. The treated water can then the macrophyte zone where wetland plants be reused for irrigation in the park.

THE VARIABLE SALINITY PLANT: MAXIMISING EVERY SINGLE DROP

Conventional water treatment processes are able to treat freshwater or seawater but not both. PUB developed a patented Variable Salinity Plant (VSP) that is able to treat feed water of varying salinity to potable water. The VSP can potentially enable Singapore to tap on marginal sources of water from our fringe catchments to further increase the water Water Reclamation Plant in 2004. Following catchment area in Singapore. PUB successfully this, a medium-scale demonstration plant proved the technical feasibility of the VSP of 4560m3 per day was built and has been through a 240m3 per day pilot plant at Bedok operating since July 2007.

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 98 5/4/09 3:23:59 PM POSITIONING SINGAPORE Solar Capability Scheme (SCS) encourages AS A SUSTAINABLE innovative design and integration of solar panels DEVELOPMENT HUB into buildings. This scheme helps to build up the capabilities of designers, architects and Singapore is a good place for companies and system integrators in solar energy companies. research organisations to develop and test their ideas in an urban setting because it has skilled Manpower Development Programmes people with environmental management and system integration expertise. Going forward, Singapore has launched a number of initiatives we will continue to invest in R&D and manpower to train specialist manpower and research development programmes to further enhance talent for the clean energy and water Singapore’s attractiveness as a base for research technology sectors. NUS and the Nanyang and export of new technologies, as well as Technological University (NTU) have set up an innovative thought-centre on high-density several R&D centres of excellence such as urban living and sustainable development. the DHI-NTU Water and Environment Hub, Singapore Membrane Technology Centre Research and Test-Bedding Programmes (SMTC), Singapore Delft Water Alliance (SDWA) and the Solar Energy Research Institute The government has set aside $680 million of Singapore (SERIS). Scholarships are also to build new capabilities in Clean Energy and awarded to promising individuals to train the Water Technologies. The funding supports both next generation of researchers to support research and test bedding programmes as well the growth of the industry. as manpower development programmes. The Clean Energy and Water Technology sectors can potentially create an economic value-add Clean Environment Technology of $3.4 billion and generate employment of Singapore will also build up capabilities in 18,000 by 2015. other areas of clean environment technology, The government provides funding incentives such as urban waste management technologies. and infrastructure for Institutes of Higher This will augment our existing initiatives and Learning, Research Institutes and companies strengthen our positioning as a provider of to conduct basic and applied research and to sustainable urban solutions. demonstrate innovative solutions in Singapore. It has launched several schemes to facilitate Facilitate Global Knowledge Exchange the entire technology development lifecycle, from basic and applied research, pilot and Although Singapore is a small country, we can demonstration trials to commercialisation. help to promote and build environmentally This includes an incubator programme that sustainable cities beyond our shores. helps to nurture clean energy and water technology start ups through business We will continue to organise international mentoring and fi nancial support. The $20 million conferences to facilitate open dialogue and

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 99 5/4/09 3:24:05 PM The Singapore International Water Week provides a global platform for water solutions

sharing with the global community on quality living environment, affordable housing technologies and policies related to sustainable and sustainable transport solutions. CLC development. The biennial World Cities Summit will distil and deepen Singapore’s urban brings together leaders, city mayors, policy- development expertise through developing case makers, urban planners, experts, industry and studies and undertaking projects and research international organisations to discuss challenges of an interdisciplinary nature. It will facilitate facing cities and share best practices to promote the sharing of knowledge and best practices vibrant and liveable cities. The Singapore among cities in the region through workshops, International Water Week provides a global seminars and training programmes. CLC will platform for water solutions. It brings together also develop links and strategic partnerships with policy makers, industry leaders and experts to key regional and international organisations, discuss water solutions, showcase technologies cities and other centres of excellence. and celebrate technological achievements in water management. Singapore is also happy to partner other nations and cities to design and build The Ministry of National Development and environmentally sustainable townships in other the Ministry of the Environment and Water parts of the world. In doing so, we hope to Resources have also set up the Centre for encourage more cities to grow in a clean and Liveable Cities (CLC), a policy-oriented resource effi cient way. The URA has set up the think tank. CLC brings together Singapore’s URA Consulting Group and the PUB has set up expertise on sustainable urban development WaterHub to provide training and consultancy in the areas of good governance, urban in urban planning and water management planning, effective resource management, respectively to cities that require such services.

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 100 5/4/09 3:24:06 PM MOVING TOWARDS ZERO ENERGY BUILDINGS

Singapore has embarked on a Zero Energy technologies. These include personalised Building (ZEB) project to showcase and test- cooling for occupants, integrated facade bed green building technologies. The project devices to shade the building and bring involves retrofi tting an existing building to daylight to the interior, and vertical serve as BCA’s academy, which will house greenery to reduce solar gains and glare. offi ces, classrooms, a library resource centre The ZEB@BCA Academy is scheduled for as well as a visitor centre. This ZEB@BCA completion in the second half of 2009. Academy is designed to be 100% powered It is a joint project between BCA, the National by solar energy and will be about 60% University of Singapore (NUS) and key more energy-effi cient than the norm. It will industry players DP Architects, Beca Carter also incorporate advanced green building and Davis, Langdon & Seah.

CONCLUSION

The environmental challenges ahead open up opportunities for Singapore to innovate and create sustainable development solutions with partners across the globe. Together, we can use technology to improve lives and protect the environment, not only in Singapore, but across the world.

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P90-101 Chapter 08-Capability Development.indd 101 5/4/09 3:24:15 PM COMMUNITY – 09 ACTING TOGETHER FOR A SUSTAINABLE SINGAPORE

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 103 5/4/09 3:48:37 PM COMMUNITY – 09 ACTING TOGETHER FOR A SUSTAINABLE SINGAPORE

Sustainable development is a long-term, ongoing effort. We can continue to achieve growth and a good environment if everyone believes that sustainable development is important and makes an effort to adopt a more environmentally responsible lifestyle. The leaders and activists in the people, private and public sectors can work together to make environmental sustainability part of the Singapore culture.

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 104 5/4/09 3:48:40 PM Key Recommendations

n The government will make available funding to support the work of NGOs and facilitate more networking among NGOs. o The Community Development Councils will promote environmental awareness and action to more than 2 million people through programmes under their local district plans. p The goverment will use a $1.5 million 3P Partnership Fund to assist organisations from across the people, public and private sectors to realise worthy ideas on environmental sustainability. q Schools will step up their efforts in promoting environmental education. r Public sector will adopt more environmental sustainability practices both as a consumer of goods and services and as a responsible employer.

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 105 5/4/09 3:48:42 PM PEOPLE SECTOR Observe Ourselves) campaign to encourage LEADERSHIP better user behaviour.

• The government will make available funding Advocacy and Action by to help NGOs spearhead new initiatives. Non-Governmental Organisations The government will also facilitate more networking platforms, both locally and The Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) overseas, to promote cooperation among in Singapore have been actively engaging the the NGOs and encourage the exchange of community in resource conservation, public ideas on sustainable development. Some cleanliness and nature conservation. These examples are the annual National Youth NGOs include the Singapore Environment Environment Conference jointly organised Council (SEC), a pioneer environmental NGO by the National Youth Achievement Award in Singapore, the Waterways Watch Society Council and the Ministry of the Environment (WWS) and Nature Society Singapore (NSS) and Water Resources (MEWR), and the as well as other youth-centric NGOs such Youth Habitat portal helmed by the SEC, as the Environmental Challenge Organisation to engage youths on environment issues (ECO), Singapore Halogen Foundation and through various platforms. SYiNC (a network of youth volunteers who organise events to instil civic consciousness).

For instance, SEC has organised the annual Schools Green Audit Awards since 2000 to encourage students to cut down on energy and water wastage and fi nd ways to reduce and recycle. They have also promoted the use of greener modes of transportation through their Green Transport Week and promoted green consumerism through their Green Labelling Scheme. WWS has organised many programmes to encourage Singaporeans to take care of our water resources. NSS organises free nature walks for the public and ‘show-and-tell’ sessions for younger children to promote nature education and ecological care of the water body at Kranji wetland. The Restroom Association of Singapore (RAS) developed the Happy Toilet programme to recognise the efforts put in by owners of public toilets to improve their cleanliness The Plant-A-Tree programme, a collaboration between the Garden City Fund and the Singapore Environment Council, lets the public standards and launched a national LOO (Let’s play a part in greening Singapore

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 106 5/4/09 3:48:42 PM WATCHING OUT FOR OUR WATERWAYS

The Waterways Watch Society (WWS) has importance of caring for and protecting our been an active partner in helping to keep the environment. As one of the “adopters” under Singapore’s waterways clean. Its members the PUB’s “Our Waters” programme, the patrol the waters in the Kallang Basin or the Society has been providing regular feedback Singapore River area with an eye on litter to the government agencies during their almost every weekend. Formed in 1998, the river patrols, to help curb pollution at its mission of WWS is to gather like-minded source. WWS also initiated a learning camp volunteers to protect the aesthetics of our for students, public education roadshows as waterways and to raise awareness of the well as beach/river clean-up sessions.

Ground Up Initiatives at the Grassroots to promote energy and water conservation as well as nature appreciation. At the community level, the Community Development Councils (CDCs) actively In support of this blueprint, the fi ve CDCs encourage residents to get involved in their have each developed plans, in partnership community and to care for the environment. with their local grassroots organisations, The CDCs take turns to co-organise the annual to promote environmental awareness and launch of the Clean and Green Singapore1 a more environmentally responsible way of life. programme with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to inspire all Singaporeans

to care for and protect the environment. The 1 Known as Clean and Green Week before 2007. The Clean and Green Singapore (CGS) Programme consists of educational CDCs and grassroots organisations also work activities to promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle. CGS with NEA, PUB, Singapore’s national water begins with a carnival in either October or November each year, and this is followed by a series of environmental events agency, and the National Parks Board (NParks) and initiatives held through the next year.

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 107 5/4/09 3:48:43 PM • South West CDC (SWCDC) engaged water consumption through the Energy grassroots organisations within its districts Audit and 10 Litre Challenge programmes. to develop ECo (Environment & Community) Plan South West – themed “Tomorrow • Central CDC targets to reach out to Starts Today”. The Plan envisions a high 800,000 residents to raise their awareness quality living environment and a community of environmental and public health issues. It will provide opportunities for the community that is engaged and responsible. Together to come forward and champion public with corporate and community partners, health initiatives and live out environmental SWCDC is seeking to reach out to friendly lifestyles. One example is SWITCH 220,000 households to achieve five (Simple Ways I Take to Change My Habits) ECo Goals. These are (i) reduce energy which aims to educate and enable residents consumption for 80,000 households to reduce their energy consumption. by changing to energy efficient light

bulbs; (ii) appreciate nature by planting • North East CDC (NECDC), through its 1 million native plants (iii) maintain Public Health & Environmental Watch public health and a clean environment by Group’s 2008 / 2009 Environment Work engaging and training volunteers from Plan, seeks to promote greater awareness 20 schools to assess the cleanliness of and community action to care for the public toilets (iv) recognise individuals environment. The Environment Work Plan who display social graciousness and has an intended outreach of about 700,000 kindness in the community through residents. To facilitate their outreach, awards; and (v) facilitate active citizenry NECDC will be working with NEA to design by recruiting an annual target of 1,600 and build a mobile exhibition bus that Junior Environment Ambassadors to will reach out to 78 schools and also champion environmental and public health Grassroots Organisations (GROs) in issues in the community. the district.

• North West CDC (NWCDC) has embarked • South East CDC plans to reach out to on a 3-tier Green Plan involving programmes 150,000 residents and engage schools, at the School, Community and National grassroots organisations and Voluntary levels to reach out to 124,000 residents Welfare Organisation (VWO)s’ to care a year. The NWCDC Green Plan aims to for the environment. Caring for the strengthen people-private-public sector environment can also serve a dual partnership, provide opportunities for purpose and help those in need. An students and the community to organise example is the ‘Recycling actions by innovative environmental protection Caring Hearts@South East’ programme projects and to increase awareness of where participating schools will target to students and the residents on sustainable collect 50,000 pieces of clothing and development. NWCDC also aims to help used books for recycling and reuse by 4,500 households reduce energy and families in need.

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 108 5/5/09 10:13:59 AM BUILDING RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES: CDL

City Developments Limited (CDL), a pioneering CDL has gone the extra mile to infl uence property developer in Singapore, has been its consultants and contractors to do their incorporating sustainable business practices part for the environment. CDL’s Environment, and promoting green outreach programmes Health & Safety Policy was established as an integral part of its corporate social in 2003 to help promote a “safe and responsibility policy since the late 1990s. Today, green” corporate culture. CDL monitors the eco-friendly features such as energy saving environmental impact at the worksite, as well lights, pneumatic waste disposal system as infl uences its employees, consultants and and multiple recycling corners have become contractors to adopt eco-friendly practices. the cornerstone of all CDL residential CDL has also actively supported efforts by developments. governmental agencies, Non-governmental Beyond building and managing properties Organisations, the youth, and the community with environmental sustainability in mind, at large to promote environmental awareness.

PRIVATE SECTOR Building, adopted the Reduce, Replace and LEADERSHIP Reuse approach to water management, and reduced its water consumption by some 16%. Over the years, many companies have adopted business practices which reduce Some companies have also actively encouraged the environmental impact and improve the environmental participation within the company resource efficiency of their operations. For and partnered NGOs and schools to promote example, United Microelectronics Corporation environmental awareness. For instance, more optimised their chiller system and improved than 170 companies have participated in NEA’s its efficiency by 12%, achieving estimated Corporate and School Partnership Programme cost savings of over $200,000 per month. The (CASP) which is a platform for companies to Regent Singapore, a certified Water-Efficient work with schools on environmental education.

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 109 5/4/09 3:48:50 PM Through the programme, students are The government will continue to facilitate encouraged to find solutions to environmental business participation in environmental issues and in the process, they develop a sustainability. For example, NEA provides a sense of ownership towards the environment. seminar-style platform for companies to network Since its inception in 2004, the number of and share their best practices in environmental such partnerships has grown from 4 to over sustainability through its Corporate Environment 100. More and more companies are also Champions Programme. participating in PUB’s programmes such as the Friends of Water and Our Waters programmes. PUBLIC SECTOR Some companies have also co-organised or LEADERSHIP sponsored environment-related awards and events. Some of these include the Sembawang Shipyard’s Green Wave Competition, Environmental Education in Schools Senoko Power’s National Weather Study Project, Bayer South East Asia’s Bayer Young We have to educate people from young on Environmental Envoy Programme, and HSBC’s the importance of sustainable development Seashore Life Programme. and the environmental impact of the choices they make. Schools play a vital role in this At the industry level, industry organisations effort. Hence, the Ministry of Education (MOE) such as the Singapore Manufacturers has made environmental education part of Federation (SMa) have sought to promote the school curriculum. Environmental education resource effi ciency. For instance, SMa is working is also one of the criteria in the School with the SEC to promote resource conservation Excellence Model, which is used to appraise and Eco-Offi ce among SMa members. the overall performance of schools.

Everyone can play a part to keep our environment clean

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 110 5/4/09 3:48:53 PM POWERING THE GREEN DRIVE: SENOKO

Senoko Power Limited, Singapore’s largest electricity producer and retailer, has made caring for the environment its business. The company pioneered the use of natural gas for electricity generation purposes in 1992, and replaced its less effi cient oil-fi red plant with high-effi ciency, gas-fi red Combined Cycle Plant. This resulted in a reduction of approximately

2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. In addition, recognising the growing concern of climate change, Senoko launched a National Weather Study Project (NWSP) in 2005 to promote awareness of weather patterns, climate change and global warming among the youth in Singapore. By the second year of NWSP in 2007, two- thirds of all Singapore schools contributed a total of 372 projects.

Within the company, Senoko engages all to achieve self suffi ciency in its water needs. employees and business partners in waste Senoko has also adopted Sungei Sembawang reduction and recycling programmes. It invested and brought 10 schools on board to join in the in a desalination plant at Senoko Power Station regular clean-up of the river.

MOE has incorporated environmental topics and students to develop and implement these such as recycling, energy and water conservation additional environmental education initiatives. into the formal curriculum of subjects like geography, social studies and science. Several NEA and PUB also encourage and train teachers schools have also gone one step further by and students to develop and implement their developing additional dedicated environmental own environmental initiatives. A network of education modules. Marsiling Secondary School, Environmental Education Advisors has been for example, introduced a 30-hour module that established within schools to act as a key point integrates topics on the environment while of contact and to promote better communication Nanyang Girls’ High students are required to between teachers and NEA. More than 2,000 take a compulsory 25-hour programme on student “Environment Champions (EC)” are environmental science. NEA assists teachers appointed to act as role models or “advocates”

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 111 5/4/09 3:48:54 PM COMMONWEALTH SECONDARY SCHOOL

Commonwealth Secondary School converted the school pond into a Constructed Treatment Wetland to recycle used water for watering the plants in the school compound. The school introduced an Environmental Education Curriculum to help secondary one students understand the importance of water as a strategic resource and why it is crucial for Singapore to be self-suffi cient in water. The school also adopted Sungei Pandan and Pandan Reservoir.

to assist their teachers in implementing school- activities such as patrols and clean-ups to ensure wide and community initiatives. NEA trains the cleanliness of their “adopted” waterways. youths to conceptualise and implement projects through the Youth Environment Envoy (YEE) Going forward, schools will play an even bigger programme. To date, more than 200 youths role in promoting environmental education. have been trained as YEEs. Similarly, • MOE will review and update the curriculum PUB has initiated the “Water Ambassadors” of environment-related subjects to programme that has already trained and generate more academic interest in and equipped more than 2,000 students from shape future careers relating to sustainable uniform groups like the National Cadet Corps development, e.g. in clean energy and and Scouts Association with the knowledge water technology. and skills to spread the message of conserving, valuing and enjoying our waters to their • NEA and PUB will actively engage the school schoolmates, families and friends. leadership to develop more environmental education programmes and disseminate PUB and NEA have also developed programmes best practices on environmental education to help students learn about environmental among the local network of schools. sustainability outside of classrooms. For example, they conduct “Learning Journeys” for • BCA will work with MOE to study the students to the NEWater visitor centre, Marina development of a prototype “sustainable Barrage, incineration plants, Semakau landfi ll school” that will yield resource savings and meteorological stations. Under PUB’s and provide a conducive and healthy “Our Waters” programme, students learn learning environment. The campus itself to take care of our waterways by conducting will also serve as an educational platform

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 112 5/4/09 3:48:59 PM for students to learn about and even organisations, and companies to promote experiment with green building technology. sustainable development.

3P Partnership Fund Public Sector Walks The Talk

The public sector facilitates and participates Finally, the public sector will show leadership in in people-private-public sector partnerships environmental sustainability both as a consumer on sustainable development. of goods and services and as a responsible employer. Public servants will be agents of • NEA will leverage on a $1.5 million 3P change by using energy and resources more Partnership Fund to assist organisations judiciously, and playing their part to improve from across the people, public and private the public sector’s performance in resource sectors that may lack the financial resources efficiency. The government will also lead by to realise worthy ideas on environmental example by using its substantial procurement sustainability. Through this fund, NEA spending to effect change and demonstrate hopes to forge even more intra- and inter- the benefits of environmental sustainability. sector partnerships amongst individuals, Please see Appendix 1 for details.

CONCLUSION

Since early 2008, thousands of individuals and representatives of organisations have contributed their ideas and support to develop this blueprint. Now is the time for us to act together to turn our ideas into reality and achieve our aspirations for Singapore. With a strong common vision and joint action by the people, public and private sectors, we can together make Singapore a vibrant and liveable city we are all proud to call home.

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P102-113 Chapter 09-Community.indd 113 5/4/09 3:49:00 PM CONCLUSION – BUILDING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER

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P114-116 Conclusion.indd 114 5/4/09 4:06:56 PM Five million people now call Singapore home, continually make ourselves relevant to the nearly three times the number in 1960. Since global economy if we want to grow and create then, we have cleared squatter colonies and good jobs. slums in our city. In their place, we built a modern city, wired and connected to the The current generation of Singaporeans will world. We established new industries, created have to fi nd creative ways to keep our economy good jobs, greened our city, cleaned up our growing and thriving, while acting as stewards rivers, improved public health and built a of the environment, both for today, and for world-class public transport system. We future generations to come. enjoy a high standard of living today because We will have to do this in the face of new the earlier generation of Singaporeans and increasingly diffi cult challenges. Singapore consciously sought to safeguard our clean and green city while developing our economy. is now in the midst of a global economic crisis. The crisis is a timely reminder that we Singapore today, with its gleaming skyscrapers cannot take economic growth for granted. and cosmopolitan people, may seem a world Faced with the pressures to cut costs, save jobs apart from its humble origins. But our resource and jump start the economy, we may be tempted constraints remain. Our land supply is limited. to set aside our environmental sustainability We have to import energy, water and food. goals as luxuries that we cannot afford at this With a small domestic market, we have to time. But doing so will be too short sighted.

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P114-116 Conclusion.indd 115 5/4/09 4:06:56 PM Just as we did 40 years ago, we must give Implementing these plans will require us to equal priority to maintaining a good living take a long term view to our development, and environment even as we seek to boost our commit to invest in environmental sustainability economy and combat unemployment. There in both good times and bad. Some measures in is now greater urgency to do so. There will be this blueprint, such as helping households to greater competition for land, energy and water, reduce electricity and water consumption, will as our economy and population grow further. yield immediate savings. Yet, others may require It will also be more diffi cult to maintain our air us to incur upfront costs to put in place new quality, public cleanliness and a sense of space and systems and processes or to invest in testing comfort as our city becomes more densely built new technologies to enhance resource effi ciency. in the future. The challenges of climate change require all nations, including Singapore, to make an We will take a pragmatic approach. We will not effort to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. put aside our plans just because we incur some costs in the short term to implement these plans. This Blueprint contains ideas from stakeholders On the contrary, we will set clear goals and track in the public, private and people sectors on how our progress. However, we will implement the to develop Singapore in a more environmentally plans in a way that avoids sharp cost increases for sustainable way. Going forward, we have to do businesses, households and commuters in a time more in a few areas. of economic hardship. As a start, the government First, we have to enhance our resource effi ciency will invest $1 billion over fi ve years to support the because rising demand for resources is likely to implementation of the plans in this Blueprint. Part outpace supply growth in the long run. It is also of this sum will go towards helping businesses the most practical and effective way for Singapore reduce the upfront costs of investing in resource to help address global climate change. Business effi cient buildings, systems and processes. and community leaders we consulted said that we By doing so, we are also helping them improve should pursue energy effi ciency as aggressively their cost competitiveness over the medium term. as we did in fi nding solutions to overcome our water dependency. The government’s efforts alone are inadequate. We need a “whole of nation” effort to make Second, we will need to keep pollution under Singapore a more sustainable city. The private control and make Singapore an even cleaner sector will have to act in environmentally and greener city to live in, as our city becomes responsible ways, even as they seek to exploit more densely populated. A high quality living business opportunities and create much-needed environment will also give Singapore an edge jobs. Citizens and individuals will have to be in the global competition for local and foreign capital and talent in the years to come. prepared to make personal adjustments to their lifestyles. Third, we have to invest more in technology to fi nd new solutions to overcome our resource The time to act is now. By working hand in hand constraints. Cities around the world face the today, we can bring about a second transformation same challenges of achieving growth while of Singapore – into a high value, innovation reducing the negative impact of growth on the powered economy within a city of gardens environment. As we innovate to overcome our and water. Above all, we can build a future challenges, we can in turn contribute to solving Singapore that we all aspire to – a liveable, lively, the world’s most pressing problems and create and well-loved home – as our gift to our children new job opportunities for our residents. and future generations of Singaporeans.

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P114-116 Conclusion.indd 116 5/4/09 4:06:58 PM APPENDIX 1 PUBLIC SECTOR PUTS ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY INTO PRACTICE

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P117-126 Appendix.indd 117 5/4/09 4:34:07 PM The public sector will walk the talk. It will of at least 4.7. The Treasury is expected to adopt measures to better economise on the improve its COP to 5.4 by August 2009. use of resources such as energy and water. By demonstrating the economic and environmental • From April 2007, all new government benefi ts of such measures, we hope to encourage building developments with more than 2 individuals and companies to take action to 5,000m Gross Floor Area (GFA) have to attain become more effi cient and sustainable as well. BCA’s Green Mark (GM) Scheme Certified Level or higher. This was subsequently made mandatory for all new buildings in Singapore EXISTING EFFORTS with GFA of 2,000m2 or more in April 2008.

Over the last two years, the government embarked on the following efforts: FUTURE MEASURES

• All large1 government offi ce buildings, as well The public sector will implement the following as polytechnics and ITEs, will conduct energy new measures: audits to improve their energy effi ciency by March 2010. As at January 2009, 12 of 48 Energy Effi ciency buildings have completed energy audits, adopted energy saving measures and reaped • Energy Audits: We will require buildings $3 million in total annual savings. Another with central air-conditioning systems and air- 10 buildings have completed energy audits conditioned fl oor area of more than 10,000m2 and are in the process of implementing to also conduct energy audits by FY20113. energy effi ciency measures that can achieve Mandatory audits will also be extended to a potential annual saving of $2.5 million. The infrastructure facilities, which account for remaining 26 buildings will complete their almost 15% of total public sector electricity audits within the next year. consumption.

• All large government buildings have • Energy Smart Offi ce label: The Energy Smart to ensure that the ambient indoor air Offi ce label provides recognition for best temperature is maintained within the range practices in energy effi ciency for buildings o o of 22.5 C to 25.5 C. in Singapore. Offi ce buildings with energy

• Large government buildings have to progressively meet a minimum standard of 4.7 in terms of the Coeffi cient of Performance (COP)2 of their air conditioning plants, either 1 With more than 15,000m2 of air-conditioned fl oor area. after their energy audits or at the next chiller 2 The COP is an indicator used for measuring the effi ciency of plant replacement. A few of our buildings are chiller plants. According to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards, a COP already able to meet this standard. Currently, of 4.7 would fall under the ‘Good’ category, achievable by ‘high- CPF Building, Environment Building and effi ciency optimised chiller plants’. 3 Financial Year (FY) 2011 starts from April 2011 and ends at MOM building have each achieved a COP March 2012.

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P117-126 Appendix.indd 118 5/4/09 4:34:07 PM performance amongst the nation’s top 25%, temperature could reduce air-conditioning and which maintain a healthy and productive electricity consumption by about 3%. indoor environment, can qualify for the Energy Smart label4. • Offi ce Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment: We will We will require all existing government require all new offi ce ICT equipment to meet office buildings with central air-conditioning the latest ENERGY STAR standards, where systems and more than 10,000m2 air- available, from FY2009 onwards. We estimate conditioned floor area to achieve the that adopting the latest ENERGY STAR 4.0 Energy Smart Office label, within two years standards for desktops, monitors and laptops of their energy audits5. New government alone can save the government about office buildings with central air-conditioning $12.8 million annually, or net lifecycle savings systems also have to attain the label within of $30.7 million. 2 years of operations.

• Coefficient Of Performance (COP) of air- Water Effi ciency conditioning plants: A major potential The Water Effi cient Buildings (WEB) initiative source of energy savings for buildings is under the PUB’s 10% Challenge Programme improving the system efficiency of their seeks to reduce water consumption in the non- central air-conditioning plants, as measured domestic sector. To date, 444 government by their COP. The upfront cost required buildings including schools are already certifi ed to optimise these plants to achieve a COP as Water Effi cient Buildings. of 4.7 is expected to be less than $1 million, with a payback period of about PUB will work with all government agencies 4.5 years. and schools to achieve the WEB label for buildings they own by FY2010. We will extend the requirement to install instrumentation to monitor the COP of central air-conditioning plants and to achieve Recycling a COP of at least 4.7 at the next available opportunity, to buildings with more than Currently, approximately 73% of government 10,000m2 air-conditioned fl oor area. agencies already implement recycling programmes, which include initiatives to recycle • Maintaining appropriate ambient indoor paper products, plastics, metals (e.g. aluminium temperature: We will encourage all government agencies to work with energy service companies (ESCO) to determine how best to monitor indoor temperatures and ensure that the indoor air temperature of all government premises remain within 4 Qualifying buildings are also required to achieve a COP of at least 4.7 for their central air-conditioning plants. o o the range of 22.5 C to 25.5 C. An increase 5 Buildings which have already completed their energy audits should of 1oC in the air-conditioned indoor room attain the Energy Smart Offi ce label by end FY10.

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P117-126 Appendix.indd 119 5/4/09 4:34:07 PM cans) and print cartridges. Proceeds from the and energy savings over the buildings’ sales of these recyclables for each agency can lifetime exceed any higher upfront cost amount to a few thousand dollars annually. involved. For instance, new buildings which achieve the GM Platinum standard are Going forward, all government agencies will expected to reduce energy consumption implement recycling programmes by FY2009. by 30-35% and the cost savings achieved can pay back the additional upfront capital General Environmental Sustainability cost within 6 years. Existing buildings which achieve the GM GoldPLUS standard • Eco-Offi ce Label: The Eco-Offi ce Green can reduce energy consumption by about Offi ce label rates offi ces on a range of 25-30%, with a payback period of 6 practices – energy effi ciency, recycling, to 10 years. water conservation, reducing paper use, Going forward, all new government purchase of environmentally friendly buildings with more than 5,000m2 air- offi ce equipment, use and reuse of conditioned fl oor area, including buildings reusable resources, and monitoring of with development cost fully or partly funded resource consumption. by the government (e.g. new universities Government offi ces have to achieve the and hospitals), will have to attain the Eco-Offi ce Green Offi ce label by FY2011. GM Platinum level. Existing government buildings with more than 10,000m2 air- • Green Mark (GM): Buildings with higher GM conditioned fl oor area also have to attain levels use less energy than typical buildings, the GM GoldPLUS standard by 2020.

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P117-126 Appendix.indd 120 5/4/09 4:34:07 PM APPENDIX 2 IMCSD PUBLIC CONSULTATION

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P117-126 Appendix.indd 121 5/4/09 4:34:07 PM This report is jointly created by the people, refuse conveyance system (PRCS) with a private and public sectors in Singapore. Over recycling function. A new 3R Fund will also be the span of one year, the Inter-Ministerial established to provide some fi nancial assistance Committee on Sustainable Development (IMCSD) to companies to offset the cost of putting in and government offi cials met with members of place new recycling programmes. the public, leaders of non-governmental organisations and businesses, members from Green Buildings academia, media editors, and Mayors. What Some Suggested There were many Thousands of people responded enthusiastically suggestions on what government, businesses to the consultations and contributed their ideas and individuals can do to reduce energy and aspirations for a Sustainable Singapore consumption, particularly in promoting green through various channels. The IMCSD received buildings (e.g. double glazing, tropical architecture), making public lighting more energy- over 1,300 suggestions via the Sustainable effi cient (e.g. phasing out incandescent light Singapore website and more than 700 people bulbs, having motion sensors for lighting in public participated in the focus group discussions, places), and tackling “over-cooling” in buildings. public forums and dialogue sessions. Grassroots leaders also contributed their ideas to the Our Response The government will establish feedback agency, REACH (Reaching Everyone a $100 million Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Active Citizenry @ Home). (Existing Buildings) to encourage the retrofi tting of large existing buildings to include more green The public’s views helped to shape the building features. The public sector mandates Committee’s recommendations in the blueprint. all large public buildings to undergo energy The following are some examples of the key audits and adopt energy-saving measures. recommendations the IMCSD has adopted in Some of these include upgrading existing direct response to the public feedback. chiller plants and maintaining ambient indoor air temperature at between 22.5oC to 25.5oC.

Recycling Solar Energy What Some Suggested There were many What Some Suggested Many Singaporeans ideas on how to further promote recycling, have suggested the installation of solar panels including stepping up public education and within our public housing estates. providing more extensive recycling facilities. Our Response HDB will embark on an Our Response NEA will study the feasibility islandwide test-bed of solar technology within of installing new infrastructure that can make 30 public housing precincts. This will help HDB recycling even more convenient. These include prepare for implementing solar technology combined public litter and recycling bins, on a wider scale when it becomes cost-effective separate chutes for recyclables, and pneumatic to do so.

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P117-126 Appendix.indd 122 5/4/09 4:34:07 PM PUBLIC FORUMS

Two public forums on ‘Building a Sustainable with environmentally-friendly practices and Community’ and ‘Enhancing the Built behaviour that would contribute to Environment’ were held in October and sustainable development in Singapore. November 2008 respectively to discuss preliminary ideas for the blueprint. The forums The forum on ‘Enhancing the Built were attended by more than 400 members Environment’ was chaired by Minister for of the public. National Development, Mr Mah Bow Tan, together with panellists Associate Professor The forum on ‘Building a Sustainable Lee Siew Eang (Director of the Centre for Total Community’ was chaired by Minister for Building Performance and head of the Energy the Environment and Water Resources, Sustainability Unit at the School of Design Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, together with panellists and Environment of NUS), Mr Tai Lee Siang Mr Howard Shaw (Executive Director of the (then President of the Singapore Institute of Singapore Environment Council), Dr Josephine Architects), and Dr Shawn Lum (President Kwa (Chief Operating Offi cer of NSL Ltd), of Nature Society). The panellists shared on and Mrs Teo Khin Hiang (then Principal of the signifi cant potential for energy savings in Commonwealth Secondary School). The our built environment, how the architecture panellists shared their views on how the industry could promote green design, and people and private sectors could work with the challenges of nature conservation in the public sector to build a community Singapore’s urban context.

Vehicular Emissions Cycling

What Some Suggested There were many calls What Some Suggested There were many calls for taxis and buses to emit fewer pollutants or to promote cycling, for instance, by establishing switch to cleaner fuels such as CNG. separate lanes and clear rules for cyclists, and installing better facilities (e.g. bicycle stands, Our Response All new diesel vehicles are shower/locker facilities) for cyclists. required to meet the Euro IV standard, which results in less harmful emissions. The LTA Our Response LTA will be implementing expects all taxis and buses to attain this cycling networks within HDB towns and standard by 2014 and 2020 respectively. The providing parking facilities near MRT stations LTA will also trial the use of Diesel Particulate to promote cycling as an alternative mode Filters (DPFs), a technology that can further of transport, especially for intra-town and reduce the emission of harmful substances, on short distance commuting to key public a range of diesel-driven vehicles for possible transport nodes. widespread application. It will also study alternate fuel technologies such as hybrids.

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P117-126 Appendix.indd 123 5/5/09 10:16:20 AM Greenery Biodiversity

What Some Suggested There were many What Some Suggested There were many calls suggestions on increasing the amount of to conserve our natural biodiversity. greenery in Singapore, such as creating more park spaces in HDB estates, and utilising the Our Response NParks will be developing the rooftop spaces to plant more greenery. Singapore National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to guide our efforts at conserving Our Response NParks will be expanding our our natural heritage over the next 10 to 15 parkland by 900ha over the next 10 years, to years. The Action Plan includes conducting bring our total parkland to 4,200ha by 2020. new research and documentation as well as The length of park connectors will also be promoting public awareness and appreciation increased to 360km to make these parks more of Singapore’s biodiversity. accessible. HDB will be developing green roofs on the top deck of multi-storey car parks. The government will incentivise existing building owners within strategic zones to implement green roofs and vertical greenery. URA will also be requiring new developments within strategic zones to provide landscape areas within the developments.

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P117-126 Appendix.indd 124 5/4/09 4:34:07 PM MAJOR CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES

TIME PERIOD MILESTONES January 2008 The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development (IMCSD) was set up to formulate a national framework and strategy for Singapore’s sustainable development in the context of the emerging domestic and global challenges.

April 2008 NUS and NParks surveyed the general public and professionals including architects, landscape architects, developers and policy makers for their views on vertical greenery. The large majority indicated that they would like to see the implementation of vertical greenery in buildings in which they work or live, and felt that vertical greenery would help to enhance Singapore’s image as a Garden City.

June to July 2008 LTA held meetings with industry partners to discuss proposals to improve fuel effi ciency and promote cleaner forms of transport. Possible trials to test the viability of diesel hybrid buses with private and public bus operators, diesel particulate fi lters on diesel vehicles, electric vehicles, and setting up a vehicle emissions test laboratory, were suggested.

July 2008 A website, www.sustainablesingapore.gov.sg, was launched to solicit public feedback and suggestions on how we could make the way we live and play, commute and work more sustainable.

July 2008 40 companies were surveyed on Energy Management System (EMS) and energy effi ciency measures. The companies highlighted several barriers to adopting energy effi ciency measures and gave suggestions on how these could be better implemented.

July 2008 Singapore Packaging Agreement (SPA) Governing Board met the 34 signatories of the SPA to gather feedback. The signatories highlighted the need for more public education on the importance of reducing packaging waste.

July 2008 HDB showcased the Yishun cycling track project at the “Enriching My Yishun” exhibition. 95% of the residents polled were supportive of having a more extensive network of cycling tracks in Yishun.

July to August 2008 Site visits were conducted on premises with ongoing food waste recycling programmes. Companies gave feedback about the challenges in implementing food waste recycling.

August to September 2008 HDB conducted a survey in Sembawang, Jurong, Aljunied, Ang Mo Kio and West Coast on the implementation of skyrise greenery in estates. A great majority of the residents supported the initiative to introduce more green roofs to existing multi-storey carparks (MSCPs).

September 2008 LTA had discussions with advisors and grassroots leaders on the proposed cycling routes and measures to ensure riders’ conduct.

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P117-126 Appendix.indd 125 5/4/09 4:34:07 PM MAJOR CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES

TIME PERIOD MILESTONES September to December 2008 BCA and relevant agencies met with an international panel of experts to discuss proposed initiatives in the Second Green Building Master Plan. Views of industry stakeholders were also taken in through three focus group discussions with developers, architects, construction companies, facilities managers, etc.

October 2008 BCA met with more than 40 representatives from SIA, REDAS,ACE, IES, banks and building owners, construction material suppliers, facility managers and stakeholders from the Construction Industry on initiatives for the Second Green Building Masterplan.

October 2008 First Public Forum – ‘Building a Sustainable Community’.

November 2008 Public exhibition on Sustainable Development was held at the Marina Barrage in conjunction with the launch of Clean and Green Singapore. The exhibition was repeated at the National Library for 1 week in December 2008.

November 2008 Second Public Forum – ‘Enhancing the Built Environment’.

December 2008 HDB met with residents of Serangoon North to seek feedback on water-effi cient appliances in households during the Save Energy, Save Money, Save the Environment exhibition at Serangoon North Ave 3.

December 2008 IMCSD co-Chairmen had a dialogue with REACH’s Policy Workgroup on Physical and Environmental Sustainability. They discussed, among others, the possibilities of integrating urban developments with nature, and promoting greater public awareness through schools and grassroots organisations.

January 2009 HDB met up with town councils to discuss plans to promote energy effi ciency in common areas under the Energy SAVE Programme.

January 2009 URA and NParks held focus-group consultations with representatives from developers (REDAS, etc) and building professionals (SIA, SILA, SIP, etc) to seek feedback for two proposed skyrise greenery related schemes.

February 2009 HDB held focus group discussions with town councils to explore the use of solar panels in public housing.

March 2009 Relevant Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as Nature Society were consulted on the draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans.

April 2009 Launch of this report.

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P117-126 Appendix.indd 126 5/4/09 4:34:07 PM ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on • Mr Chew Tai Soo, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry Sustainable Development (IMCSD) is supported of Foreign Affairs by an Executive Committee and a Secretariat with the following composition. IMCSD Secretariat • Mr Chua Soon Guan, Director (Strategic Policy), IMCSD Executive Committee Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (Co-Lead) Co-Chairmen • Ms Teoh Zsin Woon, Director (Strategic Planning), • Mr Tan Yong Soon, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Ministry of National Development (Co-Lead) of the Environment and Water Resources • Offi cials from the respective Ministries and their • Mr Tan Tee How, Permanent Secretary, Ministry Statutory Boards of National Development

Sub-Committee Chairmen This blueprint has also been made • Mr Loh Khum Yean, Deputy Secretary (Industry), possible by the following: Ministry of Trade and Industry (Co-Chairman, • Mr Howard Shaw, Dr Josephine Kwa, and Mrs Teo Work Sub-Committee) [from June 2008] Khin Hiang for their contributions as panellists • Mr Goh Chye Boon, then Deputy Secretary at the public forum on “Building a Sustainable (Industry), Ministry of Trade and Industry (Co- Community” Chairman, Work Sub-Committee) [to May 2008] • Associate Professor Lee Siew Eang, Mr Tai Lee • Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive Offi cer, National Siang, and Dr Shawn Lum for their contributions Environment Agency (Co-Chairman, Work Sub- as panellists at the public forum on “Enhancing Committee) [from January 2009] the Built Environment’”

• Mr Lee Yuen Hee, then Chief Executive Offi cer, • The feedback agency REACH for assisting National Environment Agency (Co-Chairman, in the public consultation, and the REACH Work Sub-Committee) [to December 2008] Policy Study Workgroup on Physical and Environmental Sustainability for its feedback • Mr Lim Boon Wee, Deputy Secretary (Land and and recommendations to the IMCSD Corporate), Ministry of Transport (Chairman, Commute Sub-Committee) • The Community Development Councils for developing their respective district plans to Members promote sustainable development to their • Ms Chang Hwee Nee, 2 Deputy Secretary, residents Ministry of National Development • Ms Teo Hee Lian and Mr Warren Fernandez for • Mrs Rosa Daniel, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of editing this document the Environment and Water Resources • The many others who have shared with us their • Mr Ng Wai Choong, Deputy Secretary (Policy), valuable insights and suggestions to develop a Ministry of Finance common vision for a sustainable Singapore

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P127 -128 Acknowledgment.indd 127 5/5/09 12:19:15 PM The images in this blueprint are contributed by the following organisations:

• Building and Construction Authority

• Economic Development Board

• Housing and Development Board

• Jurong Town Corporation

• Keppel Corporation Ltd

• Land Transport Authority

• Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts

• National Environment Agency

• National Parks Board

• PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency

• Senoko Power Ltd

• SMRT Corporation Ltd

• South West Community Development Council

• Urban Redevelopment Authority

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P127 -128 Acknowledgment.indd 128 5/5/09 12:19:16 PM Cover FA.indd 2 5/4/09 5:54:22 PM Cover FA.indd 3 5/5/09 10:02:49 AM